Lilafee Barrenwort

Epimedium grandiflorum 'Lilafee'

Nature Hills Nursery

Rare Amethyst-Purple Spurred Blooms Light up Dry Shade Gardens Spring Through Early Summer
Thrives in Zones 5-8
Grows 1-2 ft Tall and Wide
Showy Purple Blooms From Early Spring to Late Spring
Deer Resistant, Disease Resistant, Rabbit Resistant

$39⁸⁸

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Plant Size

#1 Container

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: Lilafee prefers partial to full shade, ideally receiving about 2 to 4 hours of dappled or morning sun. While it survives in deep shade, providing a bit of light ensures the most prolific purple blooms and the best bronze tint on new spring foliage.
Soil: This plant thrives in well drained, humus rich soil that mimics a forest floor. If you have heavy clay, mix in organic compost to improve drainage, or add peat moss to sandy soil to help retain the moisture these delicate roots crave.

Watering Requirements

Newly planted Barrenwort needs consistent moisture, so water it twice a week until the root system is established. While mature plants are remarkably drought tolerant in shady spots, inconsistent watering during summer heat can lead to crispy leaf edges or smaller flower displays the following year. Think of regular watering as insurance for the lush, heart shaped foliage that defines this groundcover.

Pruning Tips

Lilafee produces flowers on stalks that emerge right alongside new growth, but the foliage often stays semi evergreen through winter. In very early spring, before the new flower stalks emerge, cut the old foliage back to the ground. This "spring cleaning" allows the delicate, spider like blossoms to take center stage without being hidden by tattered or winter worn leaves.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow release fertilizer or a layer of rich compost in early spring as new growth begins to peep through the soil. Avoid using high nitrogen fertilizers late in the summer. Excess nitrogen encourages tender growth that will not have time to harden off before the first frost, leaving the plant vulnerable to winter damage.

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	Compact/Dwarf, Groundcover, Deer-resistant, Drought resistant, Low Maintenance, Flowering
Hardiness Zone	5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b
Sunlight	Partial shade
Height	1-2 ft
Width	1-2 ft
Watering Needs	Moderate
Preferred Soil	Clay, Loamy, Peaty, Sandy
Growth Rate	Slow
Growth Habit	Compact, Spreading
Plant Life Cycle	Perennial
Blooms In	Spring
Flower Color	Purple
Suitable Space	Outdoors
Botanical Name	Epimedium grandiflorum 'Lilafee'
Species	grandiflorum
Cultivar	Lilafee
Class	Magnoliopsida
Does Not Ship To	AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

Add Magic & Merriment With Lilafee Barrenwort!

Unusual Amethyst-Purple Flowers
Curious Spurred Blooms
Long Heart-Shaped Leaves
Waxy Green Foliage With Red Blush
Very Long-Bloom Time
Easy Care & Low Maintenance
Full Shade and Part Shade
Dry Shade Tolerant!
Rocky & Gravel Soil
Deer & Rabbit Resistant
Drought Tolerant!
Fanciful Container Plant

So unique and whimsical, the Lilafee Barrenwort (Epimedium grandiflorum 'Lilafee') has the most unusual-looking blooms! Also known as Bishop's Hat, Lilac Fairy and Fairy Wings, these give your garden plots a magical, ethereal feel!

The showy light purple to amethyst blooms have upturned spurs and four points. Barrenworts look like fancy Jester's or Bishop's Hats dangling in long clusters high above the lovely mottled, heart-shaped foliage! This combination really lights up the shady parts of your garden big time!

The long sprays of violet flowers fill out the entire arching stem. Blooming in mid to late spring and act as both stand-out specimens and delicate fillers throughout the garden.

Bright green, heart-shaped leaves remain through the summer months. The wiry stems have a red tinge and even the early spring leaves emerge with a reddish blush in spring, before maturing to medium green.

Each leaf is waxy and has an interesting frosted glaze, causing water to bead up like glistening droplets. Then fall brings coppery hues to the plant!

An eclectic-looking form is so attractive, you can rest assured that no one else on your block will have this plant!

How to Use Lilafee Barrenwort In The Landscape

Modestly sized, these unusual plants have airy and delicate features for your beds and borders. The jovial-looking plants lend themselves perfectly in both formal and informal settings.

Asian-inspired, Urban courtyards and eclectic garden designs welcome this peculiar plant as it brightens your shady areas with otherworldy texture!

This dazzling Epimedium romps throughout the mixed-shrub garden and informal borders with fascination!

Tolerating dry, rocky and gravel soil, Lilafee escapades through your rock gardens and in those shaded waste areas with ease. Cottage gardens are given a magical air with a few of these intriguing plants interspersed!

Lilafee is a unique woodland shade and accent plant. Plus, their love for shade makes Barrenwort fanciful underplantings to your larger trees and shrubs. There they can bask in the provided shade and hide leggy stems in return as ground cover!

The long stems and quirky flowers are naturals for the cutting garden and are a fantastic cut flower to add enchanting long-spurred lavender violet blooms to your bouquets and floral arrangements!

Plant en masse for erosion control that will have the entire neighborhood talking! Lilafee is a tough groundcover where grass has trouble growing in the shade.

Adding whimsy to your containers and planters on shady patios for a magical conversation piece for your entertaining areas!

#ProPlantTips For Care

Lilafee thrives in growing zones 4 through 8 where it prefers well-drained soils, that are organic and fertile. Barrenwort does best in humus-rich part shade locations.

In warmer climates, where Barrenwort can be semi-evergreen, they do better in full shade locations that have consistent moisture.

Once established, Lilafee is drought tolerant and even does well in dry shade as long as supplemental watering is provided during extended periods.

A generous layer of mulch helps retain soil moisture as well as insulate the root system from heat and chill. Barrenwort also appreciates some protection from cold, drying northern winds in winter to prevent leaf burn.

Prune back in late winter to tidy up the plant and give it a fresh look each year otherwise, Lilafee is very low maintenance! Pest and disease-free, Barrenwort are also nearly deer and rabbit proof!

Plant your own magic this year with a quirky Lilafee Barrenwort, and have the most unique garden on the block! We're excited to offer this unique plant so be sure to order quickly from Nature Hills today!

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does Lilafee Barrenwort grow well in full shade or dry shade conditions?

Lilafee Barrenwort thrives in both full shade and dry shade conditions, making it an excellent choice for challenging garden spots. This tough perennial tolerates drought and poor soils once established. Plant it in your shadiest areas where other perennials struggle to bloom.

Is Lilafee Barrenwort deer resistant?

Yes, Lilafee Barrenwort is deer and rabbit resistant, making it an excellent choice for gardens with browsing wildlife. The waxy, heart-shaped foliage naturally deters these pests while providing beautiful texture in shade gardens. Shop at Nature Hills for this low-maintenance perennial that thrives where other plants struggle.

When should I prune or cut back Lilafee Barrenwort?

Cut back Lilafee Barrenwort in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges. Remove old, damaged foliage to make way for fresh heart-shaped leaves with their attractive reddish blush. Trim spent flower stems after blooming if desired for tidiness.

Is Lilafee Barrenwort evergreen, semi-evergreen, or deciduous?

Lilafee Barrenwort is semi-evergreen, with heart-shaped leaves that remain through summer and develop coppery fall colors before going dormant. The waxy foliage emerges with a reddish blush in spring, then matures to medium green. Cut back old foliage in late winter to make way for fresh spring growth.

Can Lilafee Barrenwort be planted under trees or compete with tree roots?

Lilafee Barrenwort thrives under trees and handles root competition well thanks to its dry shade tolerance. This hardy perennial actually prefers the dappled light conditions found beneath tree canopies. Plant it as groundcover under mature trees where other plants struggle, available at naturehills.com.

How do I care for Lilafee Barrenwort in winter, especially in colder zones?

Lilafee Barrenwort is naturally winter hardy and requires minimal care in cold zones. The foliage may die back to the ground in harsh winters, but the roots remain viable and will send up new growth in spring. Simply cut back any dead foliage in late winter before new shoots emerge.

Can Lilafee Barrenwort be grown successfully in containers or pots?

Yes, Lilafee Barrenwort makes an excellent container plant with its compact size and attractive foliage. Its drought tolerance and low maintenance needs make it perfect for pots in shaded areas. Use well-draining soil and place containers in partial to full shade for best results.

Lilafee Barrenwort

Epimedium grandiflorum 'Lilafee'