Overview
Berberis stenophylla is a plant with a bushy habit in the genus Berberis, part of the Berberidaceae family, with deciduous, evergreen foliage. Berberis stenophylla grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include hedging, screening, wildlife gardens and flower borders and beds. It is native to China North-Central and China South-Central.
About
Berberis stenophylla is a bushy cultivar of the Berberis genus, which includes deciduous and evergreen shrubs typically growing between 1 and 5 metres tall. This cultivar is suited to full sun and can thrive in both exposed and sheltered locations, preferring well-drained soils ranging from chalk to clay, loam, or sand with varying pH levels. Hardy to UK zone H5, it is suitable for use in hedging, screening, wildlife gardens, and flower borders. Berberis stenophylla is native to north-central and south-central China.
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
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Berberis stenophylla size, habit and characteristics
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous, Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Hedging, Screening, Wildlife gardens, Flower borders and beds
- Native to
- China North-Central, China South-Central
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Berberis stenophylla
- Propagation
- Seed, Semi-ripe cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Aphids, Berberis sawfly
- Disease resistance
- Powdery mildews, Honey fungus
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Berberis stenophylla?
Berberis stenophylla prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Berberis stenophylla need?
Berberis stenophylla 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 well-drained.
Is Berberis stenophylla hardy in the UK?
Berberis stenophylla has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Berberis stenophylla?
Seed, Semi-ripe cuttings.
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More in the Berberis genus
- Berberis julianaeWintergreen Barberry

- Berberis thunbergii 'Atropurpurea Nana'Dwarf Purpleleaf Japanese Barberry
