Barrenwort Epimedium 'Amber Queen' (PBR)
ABOUT
Epimedium 'Amber Queen', commonly known as the fairy wings or bishop's hat, is a captivating perennial known for its beautiful and distinctive flowers and foliage. The plant displays an enchanting array of delicate flowers that dangle from slender, wiry stems, creating a cloud of bloom that seems to float above the leaves. The color of the flowers is an exquisite amber-yellow, giving the plant its royal name, 'Amber Queen.' Each flower is intricately designed with spurs that resemble the back end of a star, radiating out from the center. The leaves of this plant are equally attractive, comprising heart-shaped leaflets that form a dense, mounding ground cover. The foliage often emerges with a reddish-bronze tinge in spring, transforming into a lush green as the season progresses, and may turn to a lovely shade of red or bronze in the fall, adding to the plant's ornamental value throughout the year. The leaves are held on thin stems, allowing them to sway gracefully with the movement of the breeze. Overall, Epimedium 'Amber Queen' presents a sophisticated and elegant appearance in the garden, adding color, texture, and a fairy-like charm to any shaded or semi-shaded area where it is planted.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Berberidaceae.
Synonyms
Barrenwort, Bishop's Hat, Fairy Wings, Horny Goat Weed.
Common names
Epimedium × versicolor 'Amber Queen'
ToxicityTo humans
The Epimedium, commonly known as Bishop's Hat, is not typically considered toxic to humans. There is no significant record of toxicity or symptomatic poisoning from ingesting parts of this plant. As with many plants, it is generally advisable not to consume them unless they are known to be edible, but Bishop's Hat is not associated with serious health consequences from ingestion.
To pets
The Epimedium, commonly referred to as Bishop's Hat, does not appear on lists of plants that are commonly known to be toxic to pets such as cats and dogs. Therefore, it is not expected to cause serious illness if ingested by pets. However, digestive upset is possible as with any non-food item ingestion. If a pet consumes a large quantity of Bishop's Hat or any symptoms of distress are observed, it is recommended to consult a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Semi-deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
1-2 feet [30-60 cm]
Spread
1-2 feet [30-60 cm]
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
China
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts pollinators - Epimedium 'Amber Queen' produces flowers that attract bees and butterflies, which are essential for pollination.
- Drought tolerance - Once established, it can tolerate periods of drought, making it suitable for drier climates or water-wise gardens.
- Shade tolerance - It thrives in partial shade conditions where other plants may not grow as well, offering flexibility in garden design.
- Ground cover - The plant forms a dense mat that can suppress weeds and cover bare spots in the landscape.
- Low maintenance - Requires minimal care once established, with no need for regular watering or fertilizing.
- Seasonal interest - Produces vibrant amber-yellow flowers in spring, adding color to the garden when many other plants are not in bloom.
- Deer resistance - Typically resistant to browsing by deer, making it a good choice for gardens in areas with high deer populations.
- Hardiness - It is winter hardy in many climates, surviving cold temperatures and coming back year after year.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photography Prop: The attractive foliage and blooms of Epimedium 'Amber Queen' make it a popular choice for garden photographers looking to add a splash of color to their images.
- Fairy Gardens: Due to its delicate appearance, it can be included in miniature fairy gardens as it provides a whimsical touch to the tiny settings.
- Garden Borders: Epimedium 'Amber Queen' is often utilized as a border plant to define garden spaces and pathways with its distinctive foliage and flowers.
- Crafting: The flowers and leaves can be used in dried flower arrangements or pressed flower art due to their unique shapes and colors.
- Education: This plant is sometimes used in educational settings such as botanical gardens or in schools for lessons in botany and plant biology.
- Habitat Creation: Epimedium 'Amber Queen' can be planted to enhance the habitat for beneficial insects, providing them food and shelter.
- Theme Gardens: An ideal addition to theme gardens, it can contribute to color themes (amber/gold) or historical culture-themed gardens (Asian-inspired gardens).
- Erosion Control: The plant can be used on slopes and banks as its root system helps to stabilize soil and prevent erosion.
- Seasonal Displays: Its springtime bloom makes it suitable for seasonal displays in gardens or public spaces celebrating the arrival of spring.
- Winter Interest: With evergreen varieties, it can add color and texture to winter gardens when other plants have died back.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant Horny Goat Weed is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe plant Horny Goat Weed is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Enduring Love: 'Amber Queen' is a variety of Epimedium, also known as barrenwort, which is often associated with longevity in love and relationships, reflecting the plant's ability to thrive and bloom year after year.
- Spiritual Protection: In some traditions, Epimedium is believed to offer spiritual protection, with its dense foliage acting as a shield against negative energies.
- Overcoming Difficulties: The plant's capacity to grow in shady areas and under tough conditions symbolizes the ability to overcome obstacles and flourish despite hardships.
- Renaissance and Rebirth: The early spring blossoms of barrenwort signify renaissance and rebirth, representing new beginnings and the awakening of life after winter.
- Mischievousness: Sometimes referred to by its other common name 'horny goat weed', Epimedium carries a connotation of playfulness and mischievousness, originating from folklore about goats becoming more frisky after consuming the plant.
WaterWater the barrenwort (the most common name for Epimedium 'Amber Queen') regularly to keep the soil consistently moist, especially during the first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system. It is generally advised to provide about one inch of water per week, whether through rainfall or manual watering. The exact amount may vary depending on climate conditions and soil type. During dry spells, you may need to water twice a week. Always check the soil before watering; it should be moist, but not waterlogged, as barrenwort does not like to sit in wet soil.
LightBarrenwort plants should be situated in a spot that receives partial to full shade. They thrive under the dappled sunlight of a woodland setting or in the shadow of taller plants. Morning sunlight with afternoon shade is ideal for promoting the best leaf colors and flower production without causing stress from excessive exposure to intense light.
TemperatureBarrenwort tolerates a wide range of temperatures but performs best in an environment where the temperature stays between 50°F and 80°F. They can survive in temperatures as low as -30°F in winter and as high as 90°F in summer. However, for optimal growth and flowering, avoid extremes by providing a stable environment with moderate temperatures.
PruningPrune barrenwort early in the spring to remove old foliage and make way for new growth. Pruning helps maintain the plant's shape, encourages healthy growth, and can enhance the number of blooms. Typically, once per year is enough, just before the new leaves emerge. The best time for this is when you can see the new buds starting to swell but before they have fully unfurled.
CleaningAs needed
SoilBishop's hat, also known as Epimedium 'Amber Queen', thrives in moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter with a pH ranging from neutral to slightly acidic. A mix of loamy garden soil, peat, and perlite or pine bark can provide the right texture and fertility. Adding compost can enhance the soil's nutrient content and structure, creating an ideal environment for root growth.
RepottingBishop's hat doesn't require frequent repotting and can be left undisturbed for several years. Repotting every three to five years, or when it outgrows its container, is sufficient. Spring is the best time to repot to minimize stress on the plant and encourage new growth.
Humidity & MistingBishop's hat prefers moderate humidity levels but is quite adaptable and can tolerate varying conditions. Avoid overly dry air, which can lead to leaf desiccation. Maintaining average room humidity will support healthy growth for this perennial.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Bishop's hat in bright, indirect light and keep soil moist.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade, protect from harsh sun, and ensure soil drainage.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleThe Fairy Wings 'Amber Queen', scientifically known as Epimedium 'Amber Queen' (PBR), begins its life cycle as a seed, germinating in the spring when soil temperatures rise and moisture is abundant. It then enters a phase of vegetative growth, producing heart-shaped leaves on wiry stems and developing a robust root system that is rhizomatous, enabling it to spread gradually. In late spring to early summer, the plant reaches its reproductive stage, where it produces distinctive yellow and orange flowers that attract pollinators. After pollination, the flowers develop into seed capsules which, when mature, release seeds to begin the next generation. Throughout the growing season, Fairy Wings 'Amber Queen' can be divided and transplanted to propagate additional plants. In the fall, the plant's foliage may change color before dying back as it enters dormancy for the winter, with the roots remaining alive underground to resprout the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to early summer
The most popular method of propagation for Epimedium 'Amber Queen', commonly known as Fairy Wings, is by division. The best time to divide plants is in the spring or fall, when temperatures are cool and plants are not in active growth. To propagate by division, gently lift the clump of Fairy Wings from the ground and carefully separate it into smaller clumps, making sure each new section has a portion of roots attached. These divisions can then be immediately replanted in a prepared garden spot or potted into individual containers using a well-draining soil mix. Keep the new plants watered adequately to ensure they establish themselves in their new locations.
