Berberis aemulans — Bushy, Compact, Mound-forming

Overview

Berberis aemulans is a bushy, compact, mound-forming shrubs in the genus Berberis, part of the Berberidaceae family, with deciduous, evergreen foliage. Berberis aemulans grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include hedging, screening and mixed borders.

About

Berberis aemulans is a shrub endemic to the region of Sichuan in southern China. It grows there in thickets and on slopes at elevations of 2900–3200 m. Berberis aemulans is a deciduous shrub up to 2 m tall, with spines along the branches. Leaves are simple, elliptical to ovate, up to 4 cm long, lighter in color on the underside because of a waxy layer. In the garden it prefers full sun and partial shade and most soil types. In UK gardens it is fully hardy throughout the UK (RHS H7). Suggested uses include hedging, screening and mixed borders. It tolerates soil of any pH, moist but well-drained conditions and south-facing, east-facing and west-facing aspects. Plant in well-drained soil in sun or partial shade.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Berberis aemulans

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Berberis

Sunlight: Full sun, Partial shade
Soil type: Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH: Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture: Moist but well-drained
Aspect: South-facing, East-facing, West-facing
Exposure: Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness: H7

Plant details

Berberis aemulans size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Shrubs
Habit: Bushy, Compact, Mound-forming
Foliage: Deciduous, Evergreen
Suggested uses: Hedging, Screening, Mixed borders

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Berberis aemulans

Propagation: Seed, Semi-ripe cuttings
Pest resistance: Aphids, Berberis sawfly
Disease resistance: Powdery mildew, Honey fungus

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Berberis aemulans?

Berberis aemulans prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.

What soil does Berberis aemulans need?

Berberis aemulans is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.