Berberis wallichiana DC.
Wallich's barberry
An erect, spiny, medium to large evergreen shrub that is much-branched from the base growing up to 2m, occasionally to 3m tall. Tight groups of 10-25 small yellow flowers in spring are followed by blue-black berries in autumn that have a fine powdery coating. Glossy, leathery, serrated and spiny-edged mid to dark-green leaves year round
Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
1.5–2.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drained, Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Yellow | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Yellow | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | Blue Black | ||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
North–facing or South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H4Botanical details
- Family
- Berberidaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy, 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
Correct
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 seed sown in a seedbed in early spring. See trees and shrubs from seed. Many Berberis species cross freely in gardens, so seed-raised plants are often hybrids. Take semi-ripe cuttings in summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Coastal
- Flower borders and beds
- Hedging and screens
- Banks and slopes
Pruning
Pests
May be susceptible to aphids and berberis sawfly
Diseases
May be susceptible to powdery mildews and sometimes by honey fungus
Get involved
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