The Sunny Evergreen Flower That's Almost Impossible To Kill

A cheery shade garden filled with bright, vibrant flowers can transform a drab, uninviting yard into a relaxing outdoor retreat. The challenge is finding plants that continue to thrive without constant attention, especially beneath trees or in other difficult growing conditions. Fortunately, there's no need to sacrifice beauty for durability. Plants like barrenwort, especially the gorgeous 'Frohnleiten' cultivar (Epimedium x perralchicum 'Frohnleiten'), are impressively resilient, and the plants can even survive in dry shade, an environment where other vegetation often struggles.

A cross between two different species, this plant is a great addition to dry, shady gardens, though it can also handle some sun. It's happiest in moist but well-draining soil, but again, is tolerant of other conditions. 'Frohnleiten' barrenwort works especially well as a gorgeous ground cover, since it only grows about 6 inches tall. It's an ideal choice for adding some color around ugly tree roots, where many other plants have difficulty thriving. And thanks to its evergreen red and green leaves and cheery yellow flowers, it's perfect for perking up those darker spots in your landscape. 

While barrenworts love fertile soil, they can deal with a range of soil types, including sandy and rocky growing media. Best of all, they're deer- and rabbit-resistant, so you shouldn't have to worry about pesky visitors nibbling your plants. As they're hardy in zones 4 through 9, the perennials can work well in gardens across much of the United States.

There is a wide range of barrenwort cultivars available for purchase, including, of course, the popular 'Frohnleiten' variety with its adorable yellow flowers. Because the plants spread by rhizomes, you can divide their clumps in spring to create new plants at no additional cost. Since each division develops into another hardy clump, it's an easy way to expand a low-maintenance, worry-free shade garden over time.

In addition to being hardy, it's impressively easy to care for if you put it in the right spot and give it the basics. As with many other shade-loving plants, you'll want to avoid putting barrenwort in full sun, as this can cause its leaves to burn. Even though it's drought-tolerant, the plant still needs some extra care when settling in. Make sure to water it while it's getting established, since a healthy root system is the key to its long-term resilience. 

While barrenwort is generally a healthy, trouble-free perennial, it can on occasion suffer from mosaic viruses, which are often spread by aphids. If you notice aphids gathering on new growth, a strong spray from the garden hose is usually enough to knock them off before they become a larger problem. Fortunately, serious pest and disease issues are uncommon, reinforcing barrenwort's reputation as a tough-to-kill plant.