Overview
Berberis holstii is a bushy, compact, mound-forming shrubs in the genus Berberis, part of the Berberidaceae family, with deciduous, evergreen foliage. Berberis holstii 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 holstii is a spiny evergreen shrub assigned to the barberry family, with simple leaves, hanging panicles with a few yellow flowers and eventually blackish-blue berries. It is one out of only species of Berberis that grow in the wild in Africa, where it can be found at high altitudes (above 2000 m) in Tanzania, Uganda, Kenya, Ethiopia, Somalia, and Malawi. It is also reported from Yemen and Oman. In Malawi it is known as Kayunga, while in Ethiopia it is called Gewo, Yeset af in Amharic, as well as Zinkila, a name also used in the Afar language, and Godxantool in the Somali language. It is native to Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Somalia and other regions. 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.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Berberis holstii
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 holstii 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 holstii
- 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 holstii?
Berberis holstii prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Berberis holstii need?
Berberis holstii 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 holstii hardy in the UK?
Berberis holstii 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 holstii?
Seed, Semi-ripe cuttings.
