Berberis x stenophylla (Rosemary Barberry)
Free-flowering, Berberis x stenophylla (Rosemary Barberry) is a medium-sized evergreen shrub with gracefully arching branches covered with narrow, spine-tipped leaves, 1 in. long (2.5 cm), deep green above and blue-green beneath. Profuse clusters of fragrant, bright golden-yellow flowers dangle along the stems in late spring to early summer.
Free-flowering, Berberis x stenophylla (Rosemary Barberry) is a medium-sized evergreen shrub with gracefully arching branches covered with narrow, spine-tipped leaves, 1 in. long (2.5 cm), deep green above and blue-green beneath. Profuse clusters of fragrant, bright golden-yellow flowers dangle along the stems in late spring to early summer. They are followed by small blue-black berries, which are attractive to birds. Rosemary Barberry tolerates a wide range of soils, excluding poorly-drained wet 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 8-10 ft. tall (240-300 cm) and 12-15 ft. wide (360-450 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.
Requirements
Hardiness | 6 – 9 |
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Heat Zones | 6 – 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 (Late)Summer (Early)Fall |
Height | 8' – 10' (240cm – 3m) |
Spread | 12' – 15' (3.6m – 4.5m) |
Spacing | 180″ (450cm) |
Water Needs | Low, Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Fragrant, Plant of Merit, Showy, Evergreen, Fruit & Berries |
Tolerance | Deer, Drought, Salt |
Attracts | Birds |
Garden Uses | Banks and Slopes, Hedges and Screens |
Garden Styles | Coastal Garden, Informal and Cottage |