BERBERIS
<
>
BERBERIS
Commonly known as Barberry
Genus of about 450 evergreen and deciduous shrubs from all parts of the northern hemishere, northern and tropical Africa and South America differing widely in form and habit from dwarf species to large garden or hedging shrubs and usually with spiny branches or spine-tipped leaves.
Barberry fruit, rich in vitamin C was used in the past to make jellies, jams and pickles.
B. vulgaris is naturalised in the UK and was much-despised and destroyed in the 19th century as it is a secondary host of wheat rust.
It is being planted to safeguard the rare Barberry Carpet moth, its sole food plant.
Full Plant Details - Sun/Soil & other attributes
-
BerriesThese plants have berries.
-
Good to know
Slow grower -
Pests & Diseases
Aphids, powdery mildew. -
Place of origin
Chile. -
EvergreenPolished leaves, deep green above, light green beneath
-
Yellow
-
RacemesTo 5cm (2in) long of 12-25 spherical flowers 5mm (¼in) across
-
Border
-
Coastal / windswept
-
Cottage garden
-
Woodland garden
-
Fully hardy
-
Entire
-
Elliptic
-
Height
4.5m (15ft) -
Spread
4.5m (15ft)
-
Tall ShrubUpright shrub with smooth, brown shoots. Thorns are few or absent. Flowers are follwed by light blue-glaucous black fruit 6mm (¼in) across
-
Pruning group 5
Suitable for: Evergreen shrubs that require minimal pruning.
Action: Trim or lightly cut back shoots that spoil symmetry. Deadhead regularly.
When: Annually after flowering.
-
Hardy - average winter
Hardy through most of the UK apart from inland valleys, at altitude and central/northerly locations. May suffer foliage damage and stem dieback in harsh winters in cold gardens. Plant can withstand temperatures down to -10°C (14°F) -
Autumn Seasonal Interest
-
Spring Seasonal Interest
-
Summer Seasonal Interest
-
Winter Seasonal Interest
-
Tolerates allif well-drained
-
Full sun
-
Partial shade
-
Bee friendly
-
Rabbit Resistant
-
Mature Size4.5m (15ft)
4.5m (15ft)
View Planting Tips and Care Advice
Berberis - Care Guide
Hedging - Box Alternatives
