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Berberis candidula C.K. Schneid.

paleleaf barberry

A dense, rounded evergreen dwarf shrub to 60cm in height with oval, dark green leaves with white undersides and spines at their tips. Stems bear needle-like spines. In late spring, bright yellow, flowers are borne, followed by blue-black berries with a whitish patina

Synonyms
Berberis hypoleuca misapplied
Berberis hookeri var. candidula
see moreBerberis wallichiana var. pallida

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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
1–1.5 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Chalk
Sand
Clay
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Yellow Green
Summer Green Blue Black White
Autumn Green
Winter Green
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

East–facing or South–facing or North–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered or Exposed
Hardiness
H5
Botanical 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

How to grow

Cultivation

Grows in any soil except waterlogged. A sunny position will encourage fruiting

Propagation

Propagate by seed or from semi-hardwood cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Low Maintenance
  • Ground cover
  • Banks and slopes
Pruning

Pruning group 8

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids and berberis sawfly

Diseases

May be susceptible to powdery mildew

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