How to Plant Barberry Shrubs

Barberry is available in many striking colors.

Barberry shrubs are members of the Berberis genus of flowering plants and are suitable for landscaping natural woodlands, wetlands, rocky terrain and ornamental gardens. Barberry shrubs can withstand very poor soil conditions and readily take hold on embankments and slopes where other shrubs fail. There is also a significant color variety among the different species, with foliage ranging from gold to greenish-blue to a deep reddish-purple. The berries also provide color interest in winter. In addition, barberry leaves, flowers and fruit are non-toxic, so if you have pets or small children, this plant is the perfect landscaping choice.

Instructions

Planting Guidelines

1. Pick your variety of barberry. Some varieties commonly found in nurseries and garden centers include common barberry (Berberis vulgaris), Japanese barberry (Berberis thunbergii) and wintergreen barberry (Berberis julianae). These species are represented by a number of different cultivars, too. There are a few dwarf species available, such as Berberis dulcis. If you're not sure which type is best suited for your planting zone, ask someone at your local nursery or garden center for a recommendation.

2. Plant your barberry shrubs in full sun. Many species of barberry need several hours of natural sunlight each day to achieve their peak color. However, if your property doesn't get full sun you can still plant barberry shrubs since they will tolerate partial shade. Evergreen varieties, such as Berberis aquifolium and Berberis fortunei, prefer partial shade.

3. Examine the soil conditions. While these plants can tolerate poor soil conditions and only require a moderate amount of water, they thrive best in well-drained soil. So, if you have a lot of clay in your soil, you should add some gravel to the planting medium. This also applies when planting barberry shrubs in outdoor containers.

4. Dig a hole at the planting site to a width at least twice the size of the diameter of the shrub's original container, and a depth equal to its length. Then layer in an inch or two of light composting material or potting mix. Follow up with a generous scoop of gravel, if more drainage is needed.

5. Ease the root ball from the container by gently pressing in on all sides to loosen the soil. If the roots appear to be compressed, carefully loosen them with your fingers.

6. Place the shrub into the prepared hole and cover the roots with soil. Gently pat down the soil around the plant and water. You can place some mulch around the roots to help retain moisture and deter weeds. Mulching is necessary if you plant barberry shrubs in containers outdoors to protect the roots from frost damage.

Tips & Warnings

• Fertilization isn't necessary unless planting barberry shrubs in containers. Also, pruning should be kept to a minimum.

References

• Lovetoknow.com: Barberry
• GreenwoodNursery.com: Barberry, Red