Berberis verruculosa (Warty Barberry)
Tough and adaptable, Berberis verruculosa (Warty Barberry) is a medium-sized evergreen shrub of dense, rounded habit with gracefully arching branches covered with needle-sharp 3-parted spines. The oval leaves, 1-2 in. long (2-5 cm), are lustrous dark green above, silvery-white beneath. They turn burgundy to mahogany in winter.
Tough and adaptable, Berberis verruculosa (Warty Barberry) is a medium-sized evergreen shrub of dense, rounded habit with gracefully arching branches covered with needle-sharp 3-parted spines. The oval leaves, 1-2 in. long (2-5 cm), are lustrous dark green above, silvery-white beneath. They turn burgundy to mahogany in winter. Bright golden-yellow, solitary flowers, 1 in. across (2.5 cm), dangle along the stems in late spring to early June. They are followed by blue-black berries, which are attractive to birds. Warty Barberry tolerates a wide range of soils, including poor soils. Effective on banks and slopes, it can also be used as a specimen, hedge, or barrier plant.
- Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society.
- Grows up to 3-6 ft. tall (90-180 cm) and 3-4 ft. wide (90-120 cm).
- Performs best in full sun to part shade, in any soil as long as it is not soggy or wet. Drought tolerant once established. Best fruit production in full sun.
- Perfect choice for banks and slopes, coastal gardens, cottage gardens or as an informal hedge or screen.
- No serious pest or disease issues. Keep an eye out for berberis sawfly and powdery mildew. Deer resistant.
- Prune immediately after flowering.
- Propagate by seed or from semi-hardwood cuttings.
- Ingestion may cause mild stomach upset.
- Native to China.
Requirements
Hardiness | 6 – 9 |
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Heat Zones | 4 – 9 |
Climate Zones | 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 |
Plant Type | Shrubs |
Plant Family | Berberis – Barberries |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest | Spring (Early,Mid,Late)Summer (Early,Mid,Late)FallWinter |
Height | 3' – 6' (90cm – 180cm) |
Spread | 3' – 4' (90cm – 120cm) |
Spacing | 48″ (120cm) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Plant of Merit, Showy, Evergreen, Fruit & Berries |
Tolerance | Deer, Drought |
Attracts | Birds |
Garden Uses | Banks and Slopes, Hedges and Screens |
Garden Styles | Coastal Garden, Informal and Cottage |