Overview
Berberis thunbergii 'Little Favourite' is a bushy, compact, mound-forming shrubs in the genus Berberis, part of the Berberidaceae family, with deciduous, evergreen foliage. Berberis thunbergii 'Little Favourite' 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 thunbergii 'Little Favourite' is a deciduous shrub cultivar within the Berberis genus, known for its bushy, compact, mound-forming habit. Like other Berberis shrubs, it features spiny branches and simple leaves, and produces small yellow or orange flowers that develop into berries. This cultivar thrives in full sun or partial shade, preferring well-drained soil that can be chalk, clay, loam, or sand with a range of pH levels. Hardy to UK zone H7, it is suitable for hedging, screening, or mixed borders and is particularly notable in winter.
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 thunbergii 'Little Favourite' 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 thunbergii 'Little Favourite'
- 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 thunbergii 'Little Favourite'?
Berberis thunbergii 'Little Favourite' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Berberis thunbergii 'Little Favourite' need?
Berberis thunbergii 'Little Favourite' 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 thunbergii 'Little Favourite' hardy in the UK?
Berberis thunbergii 'Little Favourite' 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 thunbergii 'Little Favourite'?
Seed, Semi-ripe cuttings.
