About

Berberis 'Georgei' is a deciduous shrub that typically reaches a height of around 2.5 meters. It features arching branches adorned with toothed, elliptical leaves that are mid-green and can grow up to 6 centimeters long, transforming into a bright orange-red hue in the fall. In late spring, the plant produces drooping clusters of small yellow flowers on red stalks, which are succeeded by an abundance of deep red berries in autumn.

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

North-facing, West-facing, East-facing

Exposure

Exposed, Sheltered

UK hardiness

H6

Plant details

Plant type

Shrubs

Habit

Bushy

Foliage

Deciduous

Height

1.5-2.5 metres

Spread

1-1.5 metres

Time to full height

10-20 years

Suggested uses

Coastal, Cottage and informal garden

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 2; trim hedges after flowering

Propagation

Propagate by softwood cuttings or 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