Light Needs
Mature Height
Mature Spread
Growing Zones
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.
Sandy Claws Barrenwort Plant Facts
Growing Conditions
- Hardiness ZonesGrowing Zones
- USDA Zones 6 to 8 (perennial); grown as an annual elsewhere (outdoors year-round); grown indoors elsewhere (outdoors year-round); grown in containers elsewhere (grown as a seasonal crop)
- Sun Exposure
- Full Shade to Part Shade (0-4 Hours Direct Sun)
- Mature Height
- 1 Foot
- Mature Spread
- 1-2 Feet
- Growth Rate
- Slow
- Growth Habit
- , Mounded, Spreading, Trailing
- Water Needs
- Average
Flowers & Foliage
- Flower Colors
- , White, Red
- Flower Description
- Cream, Bronze-Red
- Bloom Time
- Early Spring
- Foliage Color
- , Green, Red
- Foliage Description
- Green, Red
- Foliage Type
- , Evergreen, Variegated, Herbaceous
- Seasonal Interest
- , Spring Flowering, Fall Flowering, Winter Interest, 4 Season Interest
Garden Benefits
Plant Overview
- Common Name
- Sandy Claws Barrenwort
- Botanical Name
- EPIMEDIUM WUSHANENSE 'SANDY CLAWS'
- Plant Type
- Perennial
Simple Plant Spacing Calculator
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.
Also Known As:
Quart
Plant Age:
~ 6 months - 1 year
Plant Size:
~ 4"-8"
Pot Size:
~ 4.75"H x 4.5"W
Volume:
1.50 quarts
Also Known As:
2.5 Quart Pot
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 8"-12"
Pot Size:
~ 6.5"H x 6.5"W
Volume:
2.20-2.30 quarts
Also Known As:
#1 Container
1 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 10"-14"
Pot Size:
~ 7"H x 7.75"W
Volume:
2.26-3.73 quarts
Also Known As:
#2 Container
2 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1.5 - 3 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-18"
Pot Size:
~ 9.5"H x 9.5"W
Volume:
1.19-1.76 gallons
Also Known As:
#3 Container
3 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 2 - 4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-30"
Pot Size:
~9.5"H x 11"W
Volume:
2.32-2.76 gallons
Also Known As:
#5 Container
5 Gallon
Plant Age:
~3-4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 20" - 60"
Pot Size:
~11" H x 10 1/2” W
Volume:
3.5 - 4 gallons
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Plants that are currently in stock typically ship within 2-7 business days after your order is placed.
Plant Addicts ships to the lower 48 states within the U.S. Unfortunately, we do not currently ship to Alaska, Hawaii, or internationally.
This plant cannot be shipped to the following states: AK, HI. These restrictions apply only to this specific plant due to agricultural regulations or other limitations. Other plants may still be available for shipping to these states.
If you have any questions about shipping restrictions, feel free to reach out to our team!