Spine Tingler Barrenwort

Epimedium spp. nova 'Spine Tingler'

Plants that Work®

Spiny-Edged Foliage Creates Year-Round Textural Interest in Shaded Garden Spaces
Thrives in Zones 5-8
Grows 1 ft Tall, 1-2 ft Wide
Showy Yellow Blooms From Late Spring to Early Spring
Deer Resistant, Disease Resistant, Rabbit Resistant

$43¹²

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Plant Size

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: This variety thrives in partial to full shade. While it can handle about two to three hours of morning sun, too much direct afternoon light will scorch the narrow, spiny foliage.
Soil: Aim for loose, well drained soil rich in organic matter like compost or leaf mold. If you are dealing with heavy clay, mix in some coarse organic material to improve drainage and prevent the roots from sitting in stagnant water.

Watering Requirements

During the first growing season, provide about one inch of water per week to help the root system establish itself in your garden. Once mature, Spine Tingler is surprisingly drought tolerant because of its tough, leathery leaves, but consistent moisture leads to a much fuller clump. Inconsistent watering during heat waves can cause the leaf tips to turn brown and crispy.

Pruning Tips

This perennial is evergreen in milder climates, but it is best to cut the old foliage back to the ground in late winter before the new flower stalks emerge. Think of it like a fresh start that prevents last year's tattered leaves from hiding the delicate yellow blooms. Because it blooms on new growth, timing is everything; if you wait too long, you might accidentally snip off the incoming flower buds.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow release fertilizer or a layer of fresh compost in early spring just as the new growth begins to peep through the soil. Avoid using high nitrogen fertilizers late in the summer because this encourages tender new growth that will be easily damaged by the first frost. A single application in the spring provides all the energy the plant needs for the entire season.

Delivery and Shipping

Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

Plant specifications
Plant Characteristics	Cold hardy, Groundcover, Deer-resistant, Drought resistant, Low Maintenance, Flowering
Hardiness Zone	5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b
Sunlight	Full sun, Partial shade
Height	1 ft
Width	1-2 ft
Watering Needs	Moderate
Preferred Soil	Clay, Loamy, Peaty, Sandy
Growth Rate	Slow
Growth Habit	Compact, Spreading
Blooms In	Spring
Flower Color	Yellow
Foliage Color	Green
Suitable Space	Outdoors
Botanical Name	Epimedium spp. nova 'Spine Tingler'
Species	spp. nova
Cultivar	Spine Tingler
Class	Magnoliopsida
Does Not Ship To	AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

Spine Tingler Barrenwort: Unique Foliage & Dainty Blooms

Spine Tingler Barrenwort (Epimedium spp. nova 'Spine Tingler') is an unforgettable groundcover prized for its textured, spiny-edged leaves and delicate spring flowers! This shade-loving shrub adds unique character and texture to woodland gardens, shaded borders, and rock gardens.

Its long, slender, and very pointy foliage has an incredible wavy-edged texture! The cascading new leaves emerge in shades of bronze, maturing to deep green, while the airy, nodding, spidery flowers appear in spring with soft yellow hues.

Perfect for shaded spots and challenging garden conditions, Spine Tingler is a low-maintenance, deer-resistant plant with semi-evergreen foliage in warm climates and a striking texture that offers year-round interest.

Key Features of Spine Tingler Barrenwort:

Unique, spiny-edged leaves with a distinctive bronze tint in spring.
Soft yellow flowers bloom in mid to late spring.
Grows 8-10 inches tall and spreads up to 24 inches wide.
Excellent for shaded gardens, woodland borders, and rock gardens.
Semi-evergreen foliage provides year-round interest.
Tolerates dry shade once established.
Deer-resistant and low-maintenance.
Hardy in USDA Zones 5-8, adapting to a variety of climates.

How to Use Spine Tingler Barrenwort in the Landscape

Woodland Gardens & Shaded Borders

Ideal for underplanting trees and shrubs in shaded areas.
Pair with Ferns, Hellebores, and Hostas for a rich, textured display.

Groundcover for Dry Shade

Spine Tingler is perfect for dry, shaded areas where other plants may struggle.
Use as a groundcover to control erosion on sloped or challenging terrain.

Rock Gardens & Naturalized Areas

Its compact growth habit and unique foliage make it a standout in rock gardens.
Allow it to naturalize in woodland settings for a lush, layered effect.

Accent Plant in Containers

Grow in shaded patio containers for an up-close view of its distinctive foliage.
Combine with shade-loving annuals and perennials for seasonal interest.

Barrenwort Care & Maintenance

Sun & Soil Requirements

Thrives in partial to full shade.
Prefers rich, well-drained soil, though it tolerates dry shade once established.

Watering & Mulching

Water regularly during the first growing season to establish deep roots.
Apply a 3-4 inch layer of mulch to retain moisture and protect the root zone.

Fertilizing

Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring to promote healthy growth.

Pruning & Maintenance

Remove old foliage in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges.
Cut back any dead or damaged leaves to maintain a tidy appearance.

Order Spine Tingler Barrenwort Today!

Add a unique texture and year-round interest to your shaded garden with Spine Tingler Barrenwort. Its distinctive foliage, delicate spring blooms, and adaptability make it a must-have for woodland and rock gardens.

Order now from Nature Hills Online Plant Nursery, and enjoy the beauty and low-maintenance charm of Spine Tingler in your garden!

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Frequently Asked Questions

When does Spine Tingler Barrenwort bloom?

It blooms in mid to late spring, producing airy, soft yellow flowers that hover above the foliage.

Is Spine Tingler Barrenwort deer-resistant?

Yes! Spine Tingler is deer-resistant and rarely bothered by other pests.

Can Spine Tingler be grown in dry shade?

Absolutely! Once established, Spine Tingler is highly tolerant of dry shade, making it a great choice for challenging garden areas.

How do I care for Spine Tingler Barrenwort in winter?

Apply a layer of mulch in late fall to protect the root zone. In early spring, cut back old foliage to allow fresh new growth to shine.

Can Spine Tingler be grown in containers?

Yes! Its compact size and unique foliage make it an excellent choice for shaded patio containers.

Spine Tingler Barrenwort

Epimedium spp. nova 'Spine Tingler'