Epimedium varieties, commonly called barrenwort and "bishop's hat" plants, are woodland perennials that bear oval or heart-shaped, golden to red foliage and vibrant red, yellow, pink, purple or white flowers that bloom in late spring. Winter hardy in USDA planting zones 5 to 9, you can easily propagate Epimedium by mature plants.
Instructions
1. Divide your epimedium plant in the autumn. This will allow your plant to focus all of its energy on regenerating root and plant tissue instead of producing blooms.
2. Soak the soil around your Epimedium the day before dividing your plant. Moist soil will make it easier for you to dig up the roots.
3. Dig up your mature Epimedium carefully with a gardening fork or spade. Carefully lift the plant out of the soil and shake any loose soil from the roots.
4. Separate the Epimedium into smaller sections by easing the roots apart with your hands. If the plant tissue is hard to maneuver with your bare hands, place two gardening forks back to back in the center of the clump and gently pry the roots apart. Make sure that each of your divisions consists of three to five healthy shoots and several viable roots.
5. Place these divided plantings into a bucket or box. Keep your divisions in a cool, shady place until you can get them back into the ground.
6. Replant your divisions promptly. Plant them in well-draining soil treated with organic matter. Keep the soil moist while the plantings become established. Be sure that you replant your Epimedium about six weeks before the first expected freeze to give the new plants time to become established.
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