Berberis calliantha
black-berried barberry
An upright, spiny, evergreen shrub with holly-like dark green foliage. Pale yellow flowers appear in the spring followed by blue-black berries in the autumn
Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Yellow | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Green | Blue Black | ||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or North–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Berberidaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- Potentially harmful
- Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
- 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
- Tibet
How to grow
Cultivation
Grows in any well-drained soil. Tolerates partial shade, but colour is best in full sun
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
Trim to shape after flowering or, for best foliage effect, cut back hard in spring
Pests
May be susceptible to aphids and berberis sawfly
Diseases
May be susceptible to powdery mildews
Get involved
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