Withy more to Berberis than meets the eye, some species are widely used as garden plants, while others to make dye and other commercial products and some in homeopathy. A few are also regarded as environmental weeds when planted in the wrong area.
The common name for nearly all species is ‘Barberry’, and as a drought tolerant plant they do have many uses in landscaping.
Grown for the attractive green foliage as well as masses of flowers in spring Berberis are a hardy group of deciduous or evergreen shrubs depending on species. Commonly called the ‘Barberry’ they are found widely across Europe and North America.
Some are evergreen (B. julianae) and others are deciduous, most of the garden plants tend to be named cultivars, better foliage and growth habit and most species have a dense growth habit with thorny branches.
Berberis Varieties
- B. Thunbergii Silver Beauty is a bushy shrub speckled with white autumn tones are a rich apricot.
- B. darwinii has bright orange flowers over a long period in spring.
- B. vulgaris – Regarded as an environmental weed in some areas.
- B. callianthe has buttery yellow flowers with spiky foliage.
- B. thunbergii – Most commonly grown varieties.
Care
Berberis are generally easy to grow, a well drained, well mulched soil in a sunny position is best to help promote the autumn colours. Berberis can be trimmed to form a hedge.
Berberis are available for sale from the following nurseries
1070 Jacksons Track, Jindivick 3818
Specialising in growing and selling Rare and Unusual Trees, shrubs Perennials Bulbs and Climbers, a unique nursery with amazing stock.
www.jindivickcountrygardener.com.au
52 Rodd St Canowindra NSW 2804
An online nursery specialising in drought and frost tolerant perennials and fragrant, edible and herbs.
www.perennialle.com.au