Product Description
Epimedium wushanense 'Sandy Claws' (30)ct Flat
Common Name: Barrenwort
This woodland perennial is perfect to combine with other shade staples like Hostas and ferns. 'Sandy Claws' has a similar leaf shape to 'Spine Tingler' but forms a larger plant with long, lance-shaped leaves and spiny margins. Newly emerging foliage has dramatic maroon coloring unique to the shade garden. The color mellows to dark green by summer. The cream-colored flowers contrast beautifully with the brilliantly colored foliage. From Darrell Probst.
Epimedium are one of the few plants capable of surviving in dry shade. Although slow to establish, mature plants will not be missed in the landscape, particularly when in flower. These plants are appreciated for their durability and critter resistance, but loved for the long sprays of jester hat-like flowers in spring.
Epimedium is a tough plant that will survive in nearly any shady location. Though it prefers rich, moist, woodland soils with a neutral to slightly acidic pH, it will adapt to a wide range of conditions. It will even grow under large, thirsty trees. This plant is a slow grower, so mulching around the plants will help to keep the weeds away. Trimming off all of the old foliage in late winter will make room for a fresh flush of leaves and may increase flower production.
Epimedium can be divided in early fall and is rarely troubled by pests or diseases.
Height: 12-16 Inches
Spread: 18-24 Inches
Hardiness Zones: 6,7,8
Flower Color: White shades
Foliage Color: Green shades, Red shades
Part Shade to Full Shade
Low to Average Water Needs
Average to Fertile Soil Quality
Bloomtime: Mid to Late Spring
Deer and Rabbit Resistant
Evergreen
Growth Rate: Slow
Border Plant, Cut Flower, Cut Foliage, Drought Tolerant, Easy To Grow, Ground Cover, Specimen
Epimedium wushanense 'Sandy Claws', also known as Barrenwort or Fairy Wings, is a captivating evergreen perennial that adds a touch of magic to any shade garden. Discovered in China by Darrell Probst, this unique plant was first named at Plant Delights in 2012. This species is native to China.
Distinctive Foliage The most striking feature of 'Sandy Claws' is its foliage. The long, lance-shaped leaves have spiny edges and emerge with a captivating bronze-pink hue in spring. As the season progresses, the leaves mature to a rich, dark green, providing year-round interest. 'Sandy Claws' has a similar leaf shape to 'Spine Tingler' but forms a larger plant with long, lance-shaped leaves and spiny margins. Newly emerging foliage has dramatic maroon coloring unique to the shade garden. This maroon spring foliage color matures to dark green by summer through fall and winter. Mature plants reach a height of 12-16 inches and a width of 18-24 inches. The foliage is also deer and rabbit tolerant, making it a low-maintenance choice for gardens.
Delicate Blooms In mid to late spring, 'Sandy Claws' produces delicate sprays of tightly clustered, cream-colored flowers that rise above the foliage. These charming blooms add a touch of whimsy to the garden and contrast beautifully with the colorful leaves.
Growing Requirements 'Sandy Claws' thrives in part shade to full shade and prefers well-drained soil. It is best planted in the summer for optimal growth. While it prefers humus-rich, fertile, moist soils in part shade, it is capable of surviving in dry shade and tolerates a wide range of conditions. It is best to protect it from cold, dry winds. It is a slow-growing plant, so it will take time to reach its full size.
Care and Maintenance This low-maintenance perennial requires minimal care. Cut back old foliage in late winter or early spring to encourage fresh growth and enhance the display of new foliage and flowers. You can propagate 'Sandy Claws' by division in the fall or after flowering.
Landscaping Uses 'Sandy Claws' is a versatile plant that can be incorporated into various garden settings. Its compact and spreading habit makes it an excellent ground cover for shady areas. It also works well in beds and borders, cottage gardens, shade gardens, and rock gardens.
Companion Plants Consider pairing 'Sandy Claws' with other shade-loving plants such as:
- Hostas
- Ferns
- Ajuga 'Burgundy Glow'
- Brunnera 'Jack Frost'
- Dicentra 'Pink Diamonds'
- Hakonechloa 'Aureola'
- Heuchera 'Apple Twist'
Epimedium wushanense 'Sandy Claws' is a unique and captivating perennial with distinctive spiny foliage, delicate cream-colored flowers, and a resilient nature that makes it an excellent choice for shade gardens. It thrives in various settings, from ground cover to borders, and requires minimal care once established. With its captivating beauty and low-maintenance requirements, 'Sandy Claws' is a must-have for any shade garden enthusiast. Consider adding this enchanting perennial to your garden to experience its magic firsthand.
Thirty (30) plants per flat (or tray). Approximate Plug Measurements: 3in deep x 2in wide.
Other Details
The most important part of the plant is its root system. Healthy roots are the foundation of a healthy, vibrant plant. The type of plug container used is based on the specific needs of the plants. Perennials offered as bare root traditionally perform better when planted as bare root.Planted in a specialized mix, potted plants have well established root systems. Top growth stage will vary depending on the current life cycle and time of year when shipped. In Winter and early Spring dormant plants may be shipped. Dormant plants may be planted right away, even before the last frost date.
Most bare root varieties are field grown for at least one season, though Hemerocallis and Hosta are grown for two seasons. The bulk of the soil is removed during the harvesting process and the tops of most varieties are trimmed back to the crown. They are graded, packed in shredded aspen or sphagnum moss and stored in freezers until ready to be shipped.
See our Container Sizes and Bare Root Perennials pages for more information.
Plant information and care is provided in the Overview section, Plant Genus Page and general information is provided in the Planting Care & Guides. Additional questions can be asked on each Plant page.
Plant Spacing: Using the maximum mature spread or width of a plant to guide spacing, ensures space to grow to full size. To fill an area sooner, plant them closer together. Just remember, future thinning or transplanting may be needed.
Water: Keep a close eye on newly planted perennials, especially throughout the first growing year. Most early plant loss is due to too much or too little water!
