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Berberis insignis

A dense, evergreen shrub, rare in cultivation, about 1.5-1.8m tall, with mainly spineless, upright, yellowish stems. Very large, Mahonia-like, dark glossy-green leaves are 18cm long, narrowly oval with short, spiny teeth. Dense clusters of large pale yellow flowers in spring are followed by black berries in autumn

Synonyms
Berberis insignis var. tongloensis
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Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
5–10 years
Ultimate spread
1.5–2.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Yellow Green
Summer Green
Autumn Green Blue Black
Winter Green
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H3
Botanical details
Family
Berberidaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Bushy
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

Correct

Plant range
N India, Sikkim, Nepal, Bhutan

How to grow

Cultivation

Grows best in any well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade, though flowering and fruiting are best in full sun. Suited to milder localities only in a sheltered position. See berberis cultivation for further advice

Propagation

Propagate by seed in early spring; by semi-ripe cuttings in summer

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

Pruning group 8; trim hedges after flowering

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids and berberis sawfly

Diseases

May be susceptible to powdery mildews and sometimes by honey fungus

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