About
This compact, mound-shaped semi-evergreen shrub reaches a height of approximately 1 meter. It features spiny, arching branches that spread outward. The spoon-shaped leaves, measuring up to 2.5 cm in length, transition to shades of red and orange during the autumn months. In summer, the plant produces short clusters of pale yellow flowers, which give way to translucent fruits that range from coral-pink to pinkish-red, measuring up to 6 mm in diameter.
About the genus
Berberis consists of shrubs that can be either deciduous or evergreen, characterized by their spiny branches and simple leaves that may have spine-like serrations. The plants produce small yellow or orange flowers, which appear in clusters or racemes in the leaf axils, eventually yielding small berries.
Growing conditions
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
- Plant type
- Shrubs
- Habit
- Bushy, Spreading branched
- Foliage
- Semi evergreen
- Height
- 0.5-1 metres
- Spread
- 1-1.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 5-10 years
- Suggested uses
- Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
- Toxicity
- Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets: Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Tolerant of a range of soils and locations, but grows best in any well drained soil in full sun or partial shade, though flowering and fruiting are best in full sun. See berberis cultivation for further advice
- Pruning
- Pruning group 8; trim hedges after flowering
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed in early spring; by semi-ripe cuttings in summer
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to aphids and berberis sawfly
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to powdery mildews and sometimes by honey fungus