barrenwort Interesting Notes

'Purple Pixie' was brought forward from the garden of Dr. Richard Lighty, former Director of Mt. Cuba Center for the study of Piedmont Flora. This selection is a sport found in a huge clump of Epimedium grandiflorum ‘Alba’ that had been growing in Dr. Lighty’s former garden for over 15 years. The clump never escaped it’s the current location, but it made a large clump rather quickly showing its ability to reach mature size within a few years without spreading aggressively like other barrenwort selections. -Plants Nouveau

Epimedium 'Purple Pixie' Growing and Maintenance Tips

Cut back old foliage in late winter for best spring display. To propagate, divide clumps in spring or fall. 

Prefers rich and moist soils but can take root competition and dryness from deciduous trees. Tolerant of dry shade once established.

Works well as a groundcover and filler - especially effective as an edger along paths. Plant in large masses in woodland gardens and shade gardens, underneath shrubs, or scattered amongst other shade favorites.

Good Substitutions

Epimedium × versicolor 'Sulphureum'

Epimedium × youngianum 'Niveum'

Epimedium × rubrum