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Orange Queen Barrenwort

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Orange Queen Barrenwort (Epimedium x warleyense 'Orange Queen')

Orange Queen Barrenwort (Epimedium x warleyense 'Orange Queen') is a classic shade perennial prized for nodding sprays of warm tangerine to apricot flowers in mid to late spring and handsome, heart-shaped foliage that emerges bronze, matures deep green, and often warms to red tones in fall. Forming a slowly spreading clump, it excels under trees, in woodland borders, and anywhere an elegant, drought-tolerant groundcover is needed.

Distinctive Features

Abundant, long-spurred orange-apricot blooms with contrasting coppery sepals on wiry stems; fresh growth flushed bronze for extra spring color; semi-evergreen in mild climates; naturally deer and rabbit resistant; excellent tolerance of dry, rooty shade once established.

Growing Conditions

  • Sun Exposure: Partial to full shade; morning sun acceptable with steady 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: Warm-toned flowers and shifting foliage brighten shaded beds.
  • Understory & Dry Shade: Reliable beneath trees and around established roots.
  • Edging & Paths: Compact 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 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 Orange Queen Barrenwort?

  • Warm Spring Color: Spurred orange-apricot flowers create a luminous, floating display.
  • Seasonal Foliage Interest: Bronze spring flush and warm fall tints add multi-season color.
  • Shade Problem Solver: Thrives in dry, root-filled sites where many perennials fail.
  • Low Care & Durable: Deer and rabbit resistant, drought tolerant once established.
  • Design Versatility: Fine texture complements woodland, courtyard, and contemporary schemes.

Epimedium x warleyense 'Orange Queen' delivers glowing bloom, subtle foliage color shifts, and dependable, low-maintenance performance in shaded, well-drained sites, making it a standout groundcover or edging for refined, water-wise designs.

OUR SIZING

Not sure what 2 inch B&B or 30 Gallon Clump really means? This guide breaks down all our plant size terms so you know exactly what to expect, whether you're ordering online or picking up at our nursery. From caliper measurements to container volumes, we've decoded our system to help you shop with confidence.

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