red barrenwort
epimedium xrubrum

If you have shade, you know how hard it is to find plants that will thrive there. Barrenwort is one such plant. Don’t be fooled by its delicate-looking foliage and flowers. This tough plant can handle dry shade and looks good doing it. This slow-spreading perennial ground cover makes a striking scene in spring with sprays of dainty red flowers. Click the photo to see a flower closeup.

As the nights cool down in autumn, the leaves often change to rust orange. And the leaves are nearly evergreen, lasting until heavy snow knocks them to the ground. When the new leaves just start to sprout in spring, cut off the old ones.

TYPE Perennial SIZE 6 to 12 in. tall, spreading BLOOM Red with cream centers in early spring LIGHT Part shade to shade SOIL Moist, humus-rich, well-drained PESTS None serious HARDINESS Cold: USDA zones 5 to 9; Heat: AHS zones 9 to 1 SOURCE www.deerresistantplants.com