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Spine Tingler Barrenwort

Epimedium spp. nova 'Spine Tingler'

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$4312
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Plant Size

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

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We ship your plants when it's safe to transport them to your zone. Dates are estimated and subject to weather delays.

Zone 3-4 Week of March 30th
Zone 5 Week of March 16th
Zone 6-12 Week of March 2nd


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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!

Growing Zones 5-8

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