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Home > Plant profiles > Epimedium Rose Queen
Epimedium Rose Queen
 Botanical name: Epimedium grandiflorum
Common name: Barrenwort, Bishops Mitre.
History: The common name ‘barrenwort’ refers to the ability the plant was once thought to have prevented conception.
Origin: Originates from Japan, North Korea & China. Grown in woodland areas.
Comments: Genus of 30-40 species of evergreen and deciduous, rhizomatous perennials that have heart shaped toothed leaves. In cool-temperate conditions the plant will retain its leaves, however they can also be herbaceous. They are best suited to shaded area’s that are well drained and moist. They can be grown in the sun provided they are watered regularly.
Tips: Excellent ground covers in shaded area’s, and effective as rock garden and border plants. Divide in spring or autumn. Benefits from an application of organic mulch in winter. Some varieties can be herbaceous with new growth generally red changing to dark green. Cut the foliage of this plant during winter so the flowers can be more visible. In clay soils, add plenty of organic compost and mulch before planting.
Medicinal Uses: The aerial parts of the plant are antiasthmatic, antibacterial, antirheumatic, antitussive, aphrodisiac, hypoglycaemic, tonic and vasodilator. Its use lowers blood sugar levels. It is used in the treatment of impotence, seminal emissions, lumbago, arthritis, numbness and weakness of the limbs, hypertension and chronic bronchitis. It has an action on the genitals similar to the male sex hormone and can increase the weight of the prostate gland and seminal vesicle, it has increased copulation in animals and increases the secretion of semen. The leaves are used as an aphrodisiac. Administered orally, the leaf extract increases the frequency of copulation in animals].
Contacts:
The Royal Horticultural Society A-Z Encyclopedia of Garden Plants
Encyclopedia of Perennials – Christopher Woods
www.gardenbed.com
Family: Berberidaceae.
Plant type: Herbaceous perennial.
Size (HxW): 20-30cm x 30cm.
Depth and spacing: Plant to the same depth as in the pot and at 30cm intervals.
Watering: Keep well watered whilst actively growing although they adapt to moist and dry environments.
Frost tolerance: Hardy although new growth may be marked by heavy frost.
Flowering time: Spring.
Soil: Well drained and preferably humus rich.
Climate: Cool to temperate.
Aspect: Part shade with protection from cold, dry winds.
Fertilizer: Annual application of a general-purpose fertilizer in winter.
Pruning: None other than an occasional tidy up.
Comments: The removal of old leaves in early August will allow the flowers to stand out in their full glory. It will also provide an opportunity for new dark bronze to purple foliage to create a stunning feature.
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