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Family description Berberis.

There are a large number of varieties to choose from with Berberis. Some remain very small and would be suitable for planting in a rockery, while others may grow 3metres high and wide. all these plants are well armoured with spines, some of them extremely vicious and suitable as a subtle defensive planting. some species are evergreen, while others are deciduous, giving a good choice overall. always check the label when buying to make sure you know what you will be getting.

General care.

This plant is an easy one to grow, requiring little or no assistance from the gardener. While it may occasionally get attacked by aphids, these rarely do any damage. The biggest problem is Mildew which can make the bush unsightly after a bad attack. Pruning is not required unless the bush gets too large, or is in danger of scratching passers-by. Prune evergreen varieties soon after flowering, and deciduous varieties in late winter before new growth starts. Berberis is armoured with fierce spines so do make sure you have good gloves, and handle with care. Gather up all the prunings, and dispose of them safely. They do not surrender without a fight.

Notes on Toxicity or Culinary usage.

Refreshing drinks can be made from the berries, and the young leaves can be dried to make a tea. Young leaves also used as flavouring. Yellow dye extracted from the roots. All parts of the plant seem to have a large range of medicinal uses but I cannot vouch for their efficacy.

Sales

Items for sale listed below.

Species description. Berberis stenophylla.

A very dense bushy shrub fiercely armoured with sharp thorns that makes a robust flowering hedge, or is quite happy to stand alone as a feature or screen. The fragrant flowers appearfrom May to June and followed by berries in the autumn.

Display characteristics for Berberis stenophylla.

• Plant type: Dicotyledon. Deciduous
• Habit: Erect
• Type: Tree. Shrub.
• Height: 3.00 mtr.
• Spread: 2.00 mtr.
• Attractive to wildlife: None
• Preferred soil type: Clay. Chalk. Gravel. Loam. Sand. Silt.
• Soil moisture requirement: Medium
• Soil ph: Undefined
• Suitable position: Open ground. Border.
• Light requirements: Full sun. Part sun. Shade.
• Summer water requirements: Low
• Winter water requirements: None
• Minimum temperature: -25 °c
• Safe Minimum temperature: -12 °c
• Safe Maximum temperature: 30 °c
• Maximum temperature: 0 °c
• Wind tolerance: High
• Salt tolerance: None
• Drought tolerance: Medium
• Waterlogging tolerance: Low
• Toxicity-Edibility:
• Bloom attributes: Showy display. Fragrant flower.
• Foliage attributes: Produces dye.
• Berry attributes: Edible. Attracts wildlife.
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