Berberis
Category: Shrub
A very hardy, decorative shrub, valued for its colorful foliage and its ability to form natural defensive hedges thanks to its thorns. Some varieties have striking red, purple, or yellow leaves. Tolerates pruning, cold, and drought well.
Characteristics
- Watering
- • Low to moderate • Quite drought resistant
- Soil
- • Well drained • Tolerates poor soils • Very adaptable
- Blooms
- September – November Small yellow flowers
- Exposure
- • Full sun • Better color with good light
- Fruit
- Yes (decorative red berries) • Persist through winter
- Size
- • Height: 1–2 m • Compact, thorny shrub • Moderate growth
- Use
- • Living hedges • Natural security (as a barrier) • Ornamental for its foliage
- Propagation
- • Cuttings • Seeds
- Medicinal
- Some Berberis species have traditionally been used for the bitter compounds found in their root and bark. They are credited with digestive and detoxifying uses, but they can interact with medications and are not suitable for everyone.