Bicolor Barrenwort

Epimedium x versicolor 'Sulphureum'

Nature Hills Nursery

Bicolor Barrenwort Plants Feature Enchanting Yellow & White Bell Flowers on Delicate Wiry Stems
Thrives in Zones 5-9
Grows 1 ft Tall, 1-2 ft Wide
Showy Yellow Blooms From Early Spring to Late Spring
Deer Resistant, Disease Resistant, Drought Tolerant

$39²⁵

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Plant Size

#1 Container

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: This plant thrives in partial to full shade, ideally receiving only two to four hours of soft morning light. Avoid intense afternoon sun because it will scorch the delicate foliage and cause the leaf colors to fade.
Soil: Aim for loose, well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. If you are dealing with heavy clay, mix in compost or leaf mold to improve drainage so the roots do not sit in stagnant water.

Watering Requirements

During the first year, water your Barrenwort twice a week to ensure the root system establishes deeply. While it is famous for being drought tolerant in dry shade once mature, inconsistent watering during heat waves can lead to smaller flower displays. You will know it needs a drink if the foliage begins to look dull or the edges start to curl.

Pruning Tips

Since these are often semi-evergreen, you should cut the old foliage back to the ground in late winter or very early spring. Timing is critical because you want to remove the tattered winter leaves before the new flower spikes begin to emerge from the soil. This cleanup acts like a fresh haircut that allows the dainty bicolor blooms to be the star of the show without being hidden by last year’s growth.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer or a thin layer of compost in early spring as the new shoots appear. Avoid using high-nitrogen fertilizers in late summer because this encourages tender new growth that cannot harden off before the first frost. These plants are naturally efficient feeders, so a single application at the start of the season is usually all they need to flourish.

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, Low Maintenance, Flowering, Deer-resistant, Drought resistant, Groundcover, Container Friendly
Hardiness Zone	5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
Sunlight	Partial shade
Height	1 ft
Width	1-2 ft
Watering Needs	Moderate
Preferred Soil	Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy
Growth Rate	Slow
Growth Habit	Compact
Plant Life Cycle	Perennial
Blooms In	Spring
Flower Color	Yellow
Foliage Color	Green, Red, Other
Suitable Space	Outdoors
Botanical Name	Epimedium x versicolor 'Sulphureum'
Species	x versicolor
Cultivar	Sulphureum
Class	Magnoliopsida
Does Not Ship To	AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the mature size and spread of Bicolor Barrenwort?

Bicolor Barrenwort forms spreading mounds that gradually colonize into graceful colonies through rhizomatous growth. This perennial typically reaches 8-12 inches tall with a spread of 12-18 inches, though it will continue to spread slowly over time. Plant 12-15 inches apart for quicker coverage in zones 5-9.

Is Bicolor Barrenwort evergreen or deciduous?

Bicolor Barrenwort is semi-evergreen, meaning it retains foliage through mild winters but may go dormant in colder climates. In zones 5-9, it develops attractive fall color before potentially losing leaves. Prune dead foliage in late winter for best appearance, available at naturehills.com.

When is the best time to plant Bicolor Barrenwort?

Plant Bicolor Barrenwort in spring or early fall when temperatures are moderate. This hardy perennial thrives in zones 5-9 and establishes best when given time to develop roots before extreme weather. Choose a shaded location with well-drained soil for optimal results.

How do I prune Bicolor Barrenwort?

Prune Bicolor Barrenwort in late winter to remove dead foliage. This low-maintenance perennial requires minimal pruning - simply cut back any damaged or winter-killed leaves before new growth emerges. Clean pruning shears help prevent disease spread.

Is Bicolor Barrenwort deer-resistant?

Yes, Bicolor Barrenwort is completely deer and rabbit resistant. This hardy perennial thrives in zones 5-9 without any pest or disease issues. Plant it in naturalized areas or woodland edges where deer browse regularly - you can shop this reliable groundcover at Nature Hills.

Will Bicolor Barrenwort arrive bare-root or potted?

Bicolor Barrenwort typically arrives in containers as a potted perennial. This hardy zones 5-9 plant ships well in pots, allowing the root system to establish before transplanting. Plant in part to full shade with well-drained soil for best results.

How cold-hardy is Bicolor Barrenwort in zone 3 or 4?

Bicolor Barrenwort is hardy in zones 5-9, so it won't survive zone 3 or 4 winters. The plant needs the milder temperatures of zone 5 and warmer to develop its characteristic fall color and semi-evergreen habit. Consider other hardy groundcovers for colder zones.

Bicolor Barrenwort

Epimedium x versicolor 'Sulphureum'