Berberis wilsoniae
Wilson's barberry
A dense, compact, mound-forming, semi-evergreen, very spiny shrub with arching branches. The small, grey-green leaves turn red and orange in autumn, joined by clusters of translucent pink berries following the pale yellow spring flowers
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
1–1.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Yellow | Green Grey Silver | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green Grey Silver | |||
| Autumn | Orange Red Green Grey Silver | Pink | ||
| Winter | Green Grey Silver |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or North–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Berberidaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- 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
- SW China
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
- Wildlife gardens
- Flower borders and beds
- Hedging and screens
Pruning
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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