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Berberis × interposita 'Wallich's Purple'

A densely, mound-forming evergreen shrub about 1.5m tall, with arching spiny stems, and mid-green leaves to 2.5cm long, grey-green beneath and bronze-purple when young. Clusters of yellow flowers in late spring are followed by blue-tinged black fruits

Synonyms
Berberis gagnepainii 'Purpurea'
Berberis gagnepainii 'Wallich's Purple'
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Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
5–10 years
Ultimate spread
1.5–2.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Yellow Green Bronze Purple
Summer Green Grey Silver
Autumn Green Grey Silver Blue Black
Winter Green Grey Silver
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

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

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
Botanical details
Family
Berberidaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Spreading branched
Potentially harmful
Fruit are ornamental - 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

Accepted

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-ripe cuttings in summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Coastal
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Low Maintenance
  • Hedging and screens
Pruning

Pruning group 8; trim hedges after flowering

Pests

May be susceptible to powdery mildews and sometimes by honey fungus

Diseases

May be susceptible to aphids and berberis sawfly

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