Epimedium leptorrhizum ‘Mariko’

Barrenwort Berberidaceae

A diminutive Epimedium with an impressive talent for wandering. Epimedium leptorrhizum ‘Mariko’ is a selected form of this Chinese species, collected by Mikinori Ogisu in 1993 as OG 93009 and named for his wife, Mariko. 

The name leptorrhizum means “slender-rooted”, referring to its remarkably long, thin creeping rhizomes. These allow ‘Mariko’ to form a low evergreen carpet, although in a pot they have a mischievous habit of circling the compost before making a determined escape through the drainage holes. 

The flowers are the real attraction: large, elegant and spider-like, with strongly coloured rose-pink sepals and contrasting white petals and spurs, carried on wiry stems above handsome foliage. ‘Mariko’ is generally less vigorous than the straight species, making it particularly useful where a refined, slowly spreading groundcover is wanted. (

Native to Guizhou and Sichuan, China, it appreciates humus-rich, moisture-retentive soil in partial shade, although established plants tolerate some dry shade.

Height: 15–25cm | Spread: 40–60cm
Flowering: April–May | Foliage: Evergreen
Hardiness: H5 (-23 to -15°C)