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Pink Elf Barrenwort

Epimedium × 'Pink Elf' PP 17,228

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Perennial
$4745
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Planting & Care

Where to Plant

  • Sunlight: This woodland gem thrives in partial to full shade, ideally receiving two to four hours of dappled morning light. While it can handle deep shade, you will notice the most abundant flower production and vibrant foliage color when it gets a little bit of morning brightness.
  • Soil: Aim for moist, well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. If you have heavy clay, mix in a few handfuls of compost at planting time to improve drainage, or use a light layer of pine bark mulch to mimic the forest floor it naturally loves.

Watering Requirements

During the first growing season, provide about one inch of water per week to help the roots establish deep into the soil. Once mature, Pink Elf Barrenwort is remarkably drought tolerant for a shade plant, though inconsistent moisture during extreme heat can cause the leaf edges to crisp. Think of consistent watering as insurance for keeping the delicate, heart shaped foliage looking fresh through the late summer months.

Pruning Tips

Since this variety blooms on new wood, the best time to prune is in late winter or very early spring before the new flower stalks emerge. Use hand shears to cut the previous year's foliage all the way to the ground, which clears the stage for the tiny pink flowers to rise up without being hidden by tattered old leaves. This annual "spring cleaning" ensures the plant looks its best and prevents pests from overwintering in the old growth.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow release fertilizer or a layer of fresh compost in early spring as new growth begins to peep through the soil. Avoid using high nitrogen fertilizers late in the summer, as this encourages tender new growth that won't have time to harden off before the first frost. A light touch is better than overfeeding, as too much fertilizer can lead to lush leaves at the expense of those charming "elf cap" blooms.

Delivery and Shipping

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Zone 3-4 Week of March 30th
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Looking for a dainty groundcover that thrives in shade? The Pink Elf Barrenwort PP#17,228 (Epimedium x 'Pink Elf') is a compact, cold-hardy perennial that delivers charming spring blooms and gorgeous foliage all season! This hybrid Barrenwort flaunts clusters of starry pink flowers in mid-spring, rising above heart-shaped leaves with bronze-red flushes in spring that mature to soft green.

Pollinators love the nodding, spurred flowers that hover gracefully over the mounded foliage. As temperatures cool, the leaves often turn reddish-bronze again, extending their ornamental appeal into fall. With a tidy, clumping habit and semi-evergreen foliage in warmer climates, it's ideal for woodland edges and shady nooks.

Growing just 12-15 inches tall and wide, this dwarf variety has delicate but wiry stems and a slow-spreading root system that makes it perfect for massing under trees or weaving between Ferns and Hostas.

Key Features

  • Starry pink flowers in mid-spring
  • Compact, mounded shape, just 12-15" tall and wide
  • Semi-evergreen in warmer climates
  • Deer and rabbit-resistant
  • Non-invasive, long-lived groundcover
  • Handles dry shade
  • Great for erosion control

Landscaping Uses

Perfect for softening shady garden beds, Pink Elf Barrenwort stays neat and low to the ground at just over a foot tall and wide. A hybrid between Epimedium leptorrhizum and Epimedium pubigerum, Pink Elf is a garden gem bred for enhanced flower power and compact form!

Care & Maintenance

Barrenwort is an herbaceous perennial with strong adaptability to dry shade and filtered sun. Adapted to USDA Zones 5 to 8, this perennial thrives in temperate regions and handles dry shade once established. Read more about Barrenwort care here!

  • Time: Spring or fall
  • Sun Requirements: Part shade to full shade
  • Soil Requirements: Well-drained, humus-rich soil; tolerant of clay and dry conditions once established
  • Moisture Needs: Moderate to low; use the Finger Test to monitor soil moisture
  • Arborist Mulch: Apply a 3-4 inch deep layer to conserve moisture and suppress weeds
  • Fertilization Needs: Compost or balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring
  • Pruning Info: Shear back tattered foliage in late winter to reveal fresh spring growth
  • Special Perks/Growing Tips:
    • Excellent deer and rabbit resistance
    • Low maintenance

Elf-Level Enchantment for Shade

Pink Elf Barrenwort offers lasting beauty and resilience in tricky shade zones, with its whimsical blooms and dependable foliage. Order your Pink Elf Barrenwort today and brighten your shady corners with charm from naturehills.com!

Growing Zones 5-8

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best location to plant Pink Elf Barrenwort?
  • Choose a shady to part-shade area with well-drained soil, such as under trees or in a woodland garden.

Is Pink Elf Barrenwort deer-resistant?
  • Yes, it is highly deer- and rabbit-resistant, making it great for woodland or country gardens.

When should I prune Pink Elf Barrenwort?
  • Cut back old foliage in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.

How fast does Pink Elf Barrenwort spread?
  • It spreads slowly by rhizomes, forming a tidy, non-invasive clump over time.

Is Pink Elf Barrenwort evergreen?
  • It is semi-evergreen in Zones 6–8, with foliage often persisting through winter.

Can I grow Barrenwort in a container?
  • Yes, in cool, shady spots, but ensure excellent drainage and consistent moisture.

Why Order From Nature Hills Nursery?
  • Nature Hills Nursery is committed to bringing the highest-quality plants to your door. Join thousands of happy customers and get all your planting needs at Nature Hills! We guarantee our plants for their first year! Check out lifelong support and landscaping ideas in our #ProPlantTips Garden Blog!
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