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

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