Sandy Claws Barrenwort

Light Needs

Full Shade to Partial Shade

(0 - 4 Hours Of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

1 Foot

Mature Spread

1-2 Feet

Growing Zones

6 to 8

Sandy Claws Barrenwort, Epimedium Wushanense ‘Sandy Claws’, or ‘Fairy Wings’ is a stylish, whimsical, shade-loving perennial that provides a unique, magnificent groundcover. These low-growing, ground-huggers, ranging from 12 to 16 inches tall, with a spread of 18 to 24 inches, form beautiful clumps of spiny, oblong leaves that flush a gorgeous red-wine shade in the spring. This incredible barrenwort produces thick, dangling tufts of creamy white flowers with soft, yellow eyes that bloom in mid to late spring.

Originating in China, Sandy Claws Barrenwort is low-maintenance, dwarf variety of epimedium that looks especially stunning en masse as ground cover. The flowers and foliage provide interesting color and texture all season long. Sandy Claws Barrenwort is deer and rabbit tolerant, and is lauded for its critter and pest-resistance and hardiness. It is a perfect choice for a natural or rock garden and works well as a cut flower or cut foliage.

Sandy Claws Barrenwort Care

This Barrenwort should be planted in late spring, and will thrive most in shade or dappled shade. It is drought tolerant, but prefers areas with average water, and moist, rich, slightly acidic soil with excellent drainage. It will not tolerate standing water. Its tolerance to dry shade is fair. Your Sandy Claws Barrenwort is strong, but should be fed yearly with slow-release fertilizer that is low in nitrogen. It is also advised to trim back the previous year’s foliage in early spring before fresh growth begins. 

Sandy Claws Barrenwort Spacing

When planting your Sandy Claws, do not place the crown of the plant more than half an inch deeper than the surface of the soil. Individual plants should be spaced 12 to 15 inches apart. Sandy Claws Barrenwort are excellent in eclectic container arrangements and look fantastic paired with hostas or ferns.