Photo: Peter coxhead, CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
Pruning guide · Perennial
Red barrenwort (Epimedium × rubrum): when and how to prune
Epimedium × rubrum
Red barrenwort (Epimedium × rubrum) is best pruned in February.
| Pruning months | February |
|---|---|
| Flowering | April–May |
| Native to Belgium | No, planted |
Red barrenwort (Epimedium × rubrum): when to prune it?
In late February, before the flower stems emerge.
What else to prune in those months? February
Red barrenwort (Epimedium × rubrum): how to prune it?
- Cut all the old leaves off just above the ground with secateurs or shears.
- This shows off the little red flowers in April and lets the new, red-veined leaves stand out.
- Do not leave it too late: once the flower stems are up, it is easy to cut them off too.
How much to cut, and how often?
- One pruning period a year: February.
What does it mean for wildlife?
- If you only cut back in February, the old stems stand through the winter: insects overwinter in them and birds eat the seeds.
Nearby: related pruning guides
Plant profile: Red barrenwort (Epimedium × rubrum) · Pruning calendar and basic rules
This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.