Berberis Plants

Berberis plants – more info

Berberis is a varied family with something to suit every garden. If you’re short on space, choose a small variety, such as B. thunbergia. For a statement in your border, Berberis ‘Helmond Pillar’ makes a slim column and ‘Red Rocket’ has a vase-like shape. Get your shrubs off to the best start by using mycorrhizal fungi when planting, adding plenty of organic matter such as compost to the planting hole and regularly mulching.

Which are the best berberis plants for making a hedge?

Berberis ‘Rose Glow’ is a great choice for a hedge as it’s tough, easy to grow and very spiny so makes a prickly barrier to deter intruders. Berberis ‘Orange Sunrise’ is a great option if you want a very colourful hedge. Other good choices are ‘Golden Ring’ and B. thunbergii f. atropurpurea. For a low hedge, try ‘Diabolicum’.

Are there any evergreen berberis varieties?

Most berberis are deciduous but ‘Dual Jewel’ and ‘Red Jewel’ are both semi-evergreen.

Can you grow berberis in shade?

Many berberis perform best in sun, which enhances their colour, but there are varieties that will do well in part-shade, including ‘Red Rocket’ and Berberis ‘Atropurpurea Nana’.