Berberis microphylla

RHS Plant Profile
box-leaved barberry

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box-leaved barberry visionspictures.com
box-leaved barberry visionspictures.com

Synonyms

Berberis heterophylla
Berberis buxifolia var. spinosissima
Berberis dulcis
Berberis buxifolia var. nuda
Berberis tricuspidata
Berberis buxifolia

Shrubs

An upright, semi-evergreen to evergreen shrub with arching branches of oval-shaped, leathery mid to dark green foliage. Yellow-orange flowers appear in the spring, followed by blue-black fruit in autumn. Known as 'The calafate', it is a symbol of Patagonia. Fruits are edible and can be used for making jams, beer or for eating fresh but care must be taken to esure that you are consuming berries from this variety and not other Berberis which may be toxic

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

1.5-2.5 metres

Max Spread

2.5-4 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
5–10 years
Max Spread
2.5-4 metres
Max Height
1.5-2.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or North–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

  • H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
  • H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
  • H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
  • H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
  • H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
  • H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
  • H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
  • H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
  • H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)
H7

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Berberidaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen, Semi evergreen
Habit
Bushy
Potentially harmful
Fruit are ornamental (unless sold as an edible) - not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets: Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
Genus
Berberis can be deciduous or evergreen shrubs with spiny shoots bearing simple, often spine-toothed leaves, and small yellow or orange flowers in axillary clusters or racemes, followed by small berries
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
Chile, Argentina

How to Grow

Cultivation

Tolerant of a range of soils and locations, but grows best in any well drained soil in full sun or partial shade, though flowering and fruiting are best in full sun. See berberis cultivation for further advice

Propagation

Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Coastal
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Hedging and screens

Pruning

Pruning group 8

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids and berberis sawfly

Diseases

May be susceptible to powdery mildews