Domino Barrenwort

Domino Barrenwort (Epimedium 'Domino')

Domino Barrenwort (Epimedium 'Domino') is a standout shade perennial prized for airy sprays of large, spidery flowers and handsome, semi evergreen foliage. In mid to late spring, tall wiry stems carry showy blooms with creamy white petals and striking burgundy purple inner segments, floating above heart shaped leaves that emerge mottled bronze to rose, mature deep green, and often warm to red tones in fall. Slowly forming a refined clump, it excels as an elegant groundcover for dry shade, woodland borders, and under trees.

Distinctive Features

Extra large, long spurred flowers in soft cream with rich burgundy eyes; floriferous, cloud like panicles held well above the foliage for weeks; new leaves flush bronze and speckled, adding season long color shifts; naturally deer and rabbit resistant; tolerant of dry shade once established.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Partial to full shade; morning sun is acceptable with consistent moisture.
• Soil: Humus rich, well drained soil; thrives in loam amended with 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 leaf, 18 to 24 inches in bloom, spreading 18 to 24 inches over time.

Ideal Uses

• Woodland Gardens: Lacy flowers and patterned foliage brighten shaded beds.
• Understory and Dry Shade: Performs beneath trees and around roots where many perennials struggle.
• Edging and 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 leaf mold or compost 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 if needed to refresh vigor or extend plantings.
• Watering: After establishment, occasional deep watering in extended drought is sufficient.

Why Choose Domino Barrenwort?

• Showy Spring Bloom: Large, spurred flowers create a dramatic, floating display.
• Foliage Interest: Bronze spring flush and warm fall tints provide multi season color.
• Shade Problem Solver: Reliable performance in dry shade and under trees.
• Low Care and Durable: Deer and rabbit resistant, drought tolerant once established.
• Design Versatility: Elegant texture suits woodland, courtyard, and contemporary schemes.

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