About
Berberis insignis is a robust, evergreen shrub that typically reaches heights of 1.5 to 1.8 meters. It features predominantly spineless, upright stems that have a yellowish hue. The leaves are large and resemble those of Mahonia, measuring approximately 18 centimeters in length with a narrow oval shape and short spiny margins. In spring, the plant produces dense clusters of sizeable pale yellow blossoms, which are succeeded by black berries in the autumn. This species is uncommon in gardens and landscapes.
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, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H3
Plant details
- Plant type
- Shrubs
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 1.5-2.5 metres
- Spread
- 1.5-2.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 5-10 years
- Suggested uses
- Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
- Native to
- N India, Sikkim, Nepal, Bhutan
- 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
- Grows best in any well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade, though flowering and fruiting are best in full sun. Suited to milder localities only in a sheltered position. 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 to honey fungus