Amber Queen Barrenwort

Amber Queen Barrenwort (Epimedium 'Amber Queen')

Amber Queen Barrenwort (Epimedium 'Amber Queen') is a refined shade perennial prized for airy sprays of spurred amber yellow flowers in mid to late spring and handsome, heart shaped foliage that emerges coppery bronze, matures deep green, and often warms to red tones in fall. Forming a slowly spreading clump, it excels as an elegant groundcover for dry shade, under trees, and in woodland borders where refined texture and drought tolerance are essential.

Distinctive Features

Graceful panicles carry dozens of long spurred, soft amber blooms with warm orange highlights that dance above the foliage; new leaves flush bronze to rose, creating season long color shifts; semi evergreen in mild climates; naturally deer and rabbit resistant; tolerant of dry shade once established.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Partial to full shade; morning sun acceptable with consistent moisture.
• Soil: Humus rich, well drained soil; thrives in loam with added leaf mold or compost.
• Water: Moderate; keep evenly moist the first season, then water deeply during prolonged dry spells.
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 5 to 8.
• Mature Size: About 12 to 18 inches tall in bloom, spreading 18 to 24 inches over time.

Ideal Uses

• Woodland Gardens: Lacy flowers and shifting foliage color brighten shaded beds.
• Understory & Dry Shade: Performs beneath trees and around roots where many perennials struggle.
• Edging & Paths: Neat clumps define shady walkways with fine texture.
• Groundcover Massing: Plant in drifts for a durable, living mulch.
• Mixed Shade Borders: Pairs beautifully with hellebores, ferns, hostas, and heucheras.

Low Maintenance Care

• Cutback: Shear old foliage in late winter before buds rise to showcase spring bloom.
• Mulching: Apply 2 to 3 inches of leaf mold or compost to conserve moisture and enrich soil.
• Feeding: Light spring top dress with compost or balanced slow release fertilizer.
• Division: Divide clumps in spring or early fall if needed to refresh vigor or spread plantings.
• Watering: After establishment, occasional deep watering in extended drought is sufficient.

Why Choose Amber Queen Barrenwort?

• Showy Spring Bloom: Masses of spurred amber flowers float above the foliage.
• Foliage Interest: Bronze spring flush and warm fall tints add multi season color.
• Shade Problem Solver: Reliable under trees and in dry shade.
• Low Care & Durable: Deer and rabbit resistant, drought tolerant once established.
• Design Versatility: Elegant texture complements woodland and courtyard schemes.

Epimedium 'Amber Queen' brings luminous bloom, shifting foliage color, and dependable performance to shaded, well drained sites, creating a graceful, low maintenance groundcover or edging with four season appeal.