About
Berberis microphylla is an upright shrub that can be semi-evergreen or evergreen, featuring arching branches adorned with oval, leathery leaves in shades of mid to dark green. In spring, it produces yellow-orange blooms, which give way to blue-black berries in the fall. Commonly referred to as 'The calafate', this plant is emblematic of Patagonia. Its fruit is edible and can be utilized in making jams, brewing beer, or enjoyed fresh; however, it is essential to confirm that the berries are from this specific variety, as other types of Berberis may be toxic.
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
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, South-facing, North-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
- Plant type
- Shrubs
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Evergreen, Semi evergreen
- Height
- 1.5-2.5 metres
- Spread
- 2.5-4 metres
- Time to full height
- 5-10 years
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants
- Native to
- Chile, Argentina
- Toxicity
- Fruit are ornamental (unless sold as an edible) - 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
- Propagation
- Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to aphids and berberis sawfly
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to powdery mildews