Berberis
( BER - ber - iss )
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At-A-Glance InformationBerberis, commonly known as Barberry, refers to a large group of deciduous and evergreen shrubs that grow in a variety of zones. They are easy to grow, so easy, in fact, that there have been placed on invasive species plant lists in Canada and New England. They have spines on their stems and dense foliage, providing great greenery for gardens and making attractive hedges.
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Berberis Species and Varietals
Berberis is a relative of Mahonia, and is a member of the family Berberidaceae. The best growing zones for Barberry vary depending on the species; for more information, refer to the descriptions below. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.
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Berberis darwinii (Darwin Barberry) Darwin Barberry is an evergreen shrub that grows best in zones 5-9. It is hardy to 10 degrees Fahrenheit. It is a showy shrub with a fountain-like shape that can grow to 5-10 feet tall and 4-7 feet wide. Leaves are dark green, flowers are orange-yellow, and berries are dark blue (and popular with birds!). |
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Berberis julianae (Wintergreen Barberry) This shrub is evergreen to semi-evergreen. It grows in zones 4-24 and is hardy to 0 degrees Fahrenheit, but some foliage will be damaged in colder temperatures. This barberry can take full shade. It is a dense shrub with an upright habit and can grow to be between 6 to 8 feet tall and just as wide. Dark green, almost leathery leaves can be up to three inches in length. Berries are blue-black. This variety can make a great privacy and protective hedge, as it is one of the spiniest Barberries. |
Berberis thunbergii
This variety is very widely sold, and comes in many different colors, as shown in the pictures below. This group of Barberry is hardy to -20 degrees Fahrenheit. They have a graceful, arching habit, and can grow to be 4-6 feet wide and tall. Leaves are round and dark green on top, paler green below. Leaves turn yellow, orange, and red before falling off the plant. Bright red berries give the shrub color in fall and winter. This variety can be used as a hedge, barrier, or specimen plant.
This variety is very widely sold, and comes in many different colors, as shown in the pictures below. This group of Barberry is hardy to -20 degrees Fahrenheit. They have a graceful, arching habit, and can grow to be 4-6 feet wide and tall. Leaves are round and dark green on top, paler green below. Leaves turn yellow, orange, and red before falling off the plant. Bright red berries give the shrub color in fall and winter. This variety can be used as a hedge, barrier, or specimen plant.
'Aurea'
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'Golden Nugget'
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'Kobold'
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'Limeglow'
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'Sparkle'
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'Sunsation'
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Berberis thunbergii atropurpurea
This variety is a group related to the above shrubs, the difference being that this group has darker colored leaves. These shrubs develop the most striking colors when planted in the sun.
This variety is a group related to the above shrubs, the difference being that this group has darker colored leaves. These shrubs develop the most striking colors when planted in the sun.
'Cherry Bomb'
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'Golden Ring'
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'Helmond Pillar'
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'Rose Glow'
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'Royal Cloak'
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'Concorde'
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Caring for and pruning barberry shrubs
Barberry bushes can provide colorful interest in your garden in addition to being a very low-maintenance plant. For the most part, barberry bushes are hardy, deciduous plants commonly used as foundation bushes in the garden as well as hedges for privacy. The first step in caring for barberry shrubs is to choose one for your garden that is best suited to your local climate. Check the list of plants in the above section to get an idea for which barberry bushes grow best in your area.
Growing barberry bushes is relatively easy once you choose the correct one for your area. Many city dwellers choose this shrub to grow due to their hardiness in city conditions; they can even be grown in containers! For the most part, they like full sun or partial shade placement and are adaptable to a wide variety of soil types, as long as it is well-draining soil. Transplanting is most successfully done just after flowering (which is usually in late winter).
Ongoing care for bar berry bushes is relatively simple! If your barberry is being grown into a hedge, it is necessary to prune a couple of times a year, as it will increase shrub health and vigor. Otherwise, only prune in the winter or fall after the plant has fruited, As with most other plants, remove dead or diseased wood as needed.
Growing barberry bushes is relatively easy once you choose the correct one for your area. Many city dwellers choose this shrub to grow due to their hardiness in city conditions; they can even be grown in containers! For the most part, they like full sun or partial shade placement and are adaptable to a wide variety of soil types, as long as it is well-draining soil. Transplanting is most successfully done just after flowering (which is usually in late winter).
Ongoing care for bar berry bushes is relatively simple! If your barberry is being grown into a hedge, it is necessary to prune a couple of times a year, as it will increase shrub health and vigor. Otherwise, only prune in the winter or fall after the plant has fruited, As with most other plants, remove dead or diseased wood as needed.
Propagation
Follow the directions below to propagate your Barberry shrub:
- Disinfect your pruners using a nine parts water to one part bleach solution. Why? This will prevent the spread of any disease to your new cutting.
- Take a four to six inch cutting from the shrub using your pruners. Make sure that the cutting is of new growth that the plant has put on this growing season. It will be less 'woody' or firm due to the fact that it is just beginning to mature.
- Remove the lower third of any stem leaves or buds that may be growing on the cutting. Why? This will decrease water loss through respiration and focus the stem's energy on growing roots.
- Dip the end of the cutting into rooting hormone. Gently tap to remove excess. Note: Do not tap the excess back into your rooting hormone container. If your cutting is diseased, this means that the disease will spread to every other cutting you attempt to propagate going forward.
- Fill a rooting tray or a small container with a rooting medium that has been moistened with some water. Stick the cut end of the stem into the medium so that about half of the cutting is above the soil level. If you are growing more than one cutting, space them apart so that the leaves on each stem are not touching each other.
- Water your cuttings and the medium. Then, cover the container with a clear plastic container or a clear plastic bag. Mist the cuttings regularly with a spray bottle filled with water during the rooting period to keep the humidity high. Monitor the moisture level to prevent the environment from becoming wet. If this occurs, it can cause stem rot and ruin your efforts at propagation.
- Pull gently on the stem cuttings four to six weeks later to see if there is resistance. If there is resistance, roots are beginning to grow! Grab a fork and gently scoop out your cutting, being careful not to damage the new roots. Once you can see that the roots are all at least one inch long, transplant the cutting to an individual pot filled with potting soil. Continue to grow the cuttings in a protected environment, like indoors, in your garage, or in your greenhouse, if you have one, for one year.
- After a year has passed, pick a spot in your yard and plant your new Barberry.
problems and pests
Barberry bushes can be invasive, so be sure to check your local gardening resources before planting barberry in your yard. They can also be dangerous to children and animals, as they do have thorns. Otherwise, Barberry plants can suffer from the following issues and pests:
- Anthracnose
- Root Rot
- Bacterial Leaf Spot
- Scale
- Wilt
- Barberry Redworm
- Aphids
gallery
Barberry shrubs come in all different colors, and are beautiful in layered landscapes.
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This photo illustrates the invasive nature of the barberry. Check your local invasive species list before planting!
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Take care to place your barberry in an area where pets and young children will not be at risk of getting poked by its large thorns.
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Barberry forms a nice, eye-catching hedge with brilliant color.
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Barberry provides a beautiful border for grass areas and driveways.
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An example of a barberry shrub being grown as a container plant.
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Videos
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How to care for and prune your barberry shrub
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How to prune your barberry bush
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Barberry: A Great Shrub!
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Resources
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Page 193, Berberis
If you have any questions, comments, concerns, or photos you’d like to add to the gallery, please let me know by sending me a message using the button below!
