Dividing an Epimedium: Our Step-by-Step Guide

The epimedium is a highly effective groundcover plant for shade or partial shade. Valued for its decorative foliage, it spreads via its rootstocks. After a few years, the barrenwort weakens and produces fewer flowers. It's then time to consider dividing the stump to rejuvenate the plant. Discover all our tips for successfully dividing your barrenwort.

Why divide epimedium?

Each year, the stumps of perennial plants grow larger, and after several years in the ground, flowering becomes less abundant. Additionally, the bulky clump may hinder nearby perennials. Dividing the stump revitalises the epimedium, stimulates growth and results in abundant flowering once again. Stump division is also the best way to propagate epimedium.

Dividing the root ball helps rejuvenate a plant with poor flowering (photo Wikipedia).

When to divide epimedium?

You can divide your barrenwort when it reaches 3-4 years of age. Indeed, barrenwort has rather slow growth, so dividing it before this stage is unnecessary. Preferably carry out the division after flowering: in late summer/early autumn. September is ideal. At this time, the plant enters dormancy, making division less traumatic. Note that you can then propagate your epimediums every 2-3 years.

It's also possible to divide epimediums in late winter/early spring (March or April), though there are two drawbacks: frosts may still occur during this period, and watering must be very regular in the following months, especially during summer heatwaves, as these clumps remain fragile.

How to divide epimedium?

Required equipment:

a spade or garden fork
a sharp knife or secateurs
a watering can
some compost
some mulch

The division process:

Tip: if your soil is hard, water it first to make the job easier.

Work around the stump of your epimedium using a spade or garden fork. To do this, gently insert the tool vertically all around the plant.
Slide the spade beneath the root ball and lift it out by levering with the spade. If needed, free any remaining roots by hand. Shake the root ball gently to remove excess soil and lay it on its side.
Using the spade, your knife or secateurs (depending on the density of the root system), divide the epimedium root ball into several large sections, each containing stem growth, roots and at least one rootstock about 10cm long.
Clean the root sections by removing damaged roots and dead foliage.

Your epimedium divisions are now ready for replanting.

How to transplant epimedium?

Replant your small epimedium clumps in new locations without delay:

Dig planting holes spaced 30cm apart;
Loosen the soil at the bottom of each hole;
Add some well-rotted compost;
If the soil is heavy in your chosen spots, lighten it by adding river sand and mixing well;
Place the root sections in position and backfill with soil;
Firm down and water generously;
To protect epimediums from winter cold, apply a layer of mulch around each plant, such as straw.

Note that you can also pot up the sections individually, but you'll need to overwinter the pots in a frost-free environment.