Lilafee Barrenwort

Lilafee Barrenwort (Epimedium grandiflorum 'Lilafee')

Lilafee Barrenwort (Epimedium grandiflorum 'Lilafee') is a graceful shade perennial celebrated for its deep violet to lilac, long-spurred flowers in mid to late spring and its refined, heart-shaped foliage. New leaves emerge bronze to rosy-purple, mature deep green through summer, and often warm to red tones in fall. Forming a slowly spreading, drought-tolerant clump, it excels in woodland borders, under trees, and other dry-shade sites where elegant texture and reliable performance are essential.

Distinctive Features

Abundant, spurred lilac-violet blooms carried in airy sprays above wiry stems; dramatic bronze-purple spring foliage adds color before and during bloom; semi-evergreen in mild climates; naturally deer and rabbit resistant; excellent tolerance of dry, rooty sites once established.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Partial to full shade; morning sun acceptable with consistent moisture.
• Soil: Humus-rich, well-drained loam; benefits from added compost or leaf mold.
• Water: Moderate; keep evenly moist the first season, then water deeply during prolonged dry spells.
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 5 to 8.
• Mature Size: About 8 to 12 inches tall in leaf, 12 to 16 inches 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: Thrives beneath trees and around established roots.
• Edging & Paths: Neat clumps define shaded 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 compost or leaf mold to conserve moisture and enrich soil.
• Feeding: Light spring top-dress with compost or a balanced slow-release fertilizer.
• Division: Divide clumps in spring or early fall to refresh vigor or extend plantings.
• Watering: After establishment, occasional deep watering in extended drought is sufficient.

Why Choose Lilafee Barrenwort?

• Rich Violet Bloom: Spurred lilac flowers create a luminous, floating display.
• Seasonal Foliage Interest: Bronze-purple spring flush and warm fall tints provide multi-season color.
• Shade Problem Solver: Dependable in dry, root-filled sites under trees.
• Low Care & Durable: Deer and rabbit resistant, drought tolerant once established.
• Design Versatility: Fine texture complements woodland, courtyard, and contemporary schemes.

Epimedium grandiflorum 'Lilafee' delivers jewel-toned bloom, elegant foliage shifts, and easy-care durability in shaded, well-drained sites, making it a standout groundcover or edging for refined, water-wise designs.