Overview
Berberis glaucocarpa is a bushy, compact, mound-forming shrubs in the genus Berberis, part of the Berberidaceae family, with deciduous, evergreen foliage. Berberis glaucocarpa 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 glaucocarpa, known as great barberry, is a cultivar of the Berberis genus, which comprises shrubs with spiny branches and simple leaves that may have spine-like serrations. This bushy, compact, mound-forming plant can be deciduous or evergreen and thrives in full sun or partial shade. It is hardy to UK zone H7 and grows well in a range of soil types, including chalk, clay, loam, and sand, with moist but well-drained conditions. Suitable for hedging, screening, or mixed borders, it is best planted in well-drained soil and benefits from a south, east, or west-facing aspect.
About the genus
Berberis, commonly known as barberry, is a large genus of deciduous and evergreen shrubs from 1–5 m tall, found throughout temperate and subtropical regions of the world. Species diversity is greatest in South America and Asia, but native species also appear in Europe, Africa, and North America.
Wikipedia contributors, "Berberis", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Berberis
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 glaucocarpa 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 glaucocarpa
- 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 glaucocarpa?
Berberis glaucocarpa prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Berberis glaucocarpa need?
Berberis glaucocarpa 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.
Is Berberis glaucocarpa hardy in the UK?
Berberis glaucocarpa has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Berberis glaucocarpa?
Seed, Semi-ripe cuttings.
