Chinese barberry is a broadleaf evergreen shrub, endemic to China in the barberry family (Berberidaceae). The genus name comes from the Latinized form of the Arabian name for the fruit. The shrub will grow 4 to 5 feet tall and needs well-drained slightly acidic to neutral pH soil in full sun to partial shade. Prune in late winter to early spring. Propagate by stem cuttings. In fall to early winter showy clusters of yellow flowers appear, followed by clusters of purple-blue berries. The slender leaves can be blue-tinged and have spines. This shrub can be used in borders, groups and as a hedge. use in a winter garden. Insects, Diseases and Other Plant Problems: Leaf spots, rust, and leaf scorch from sun/wind. Chlorosis on high pH soils. Watch for aphids, scale and whiteflies. VIDEO created by Andy Pulte for “Landscape Plant Identification, Taxonomy and Morphology” a plant identification course offered by the Department of Plant Sciences, University of Tennessee. More information on Berberis .
Curated pairwise relationships between this plant and others in the library — who feeds
whom, who competes, who confuses the pests. Green reads as a good pairing, red as one to avoid.
No curated interactions recorded for this species yet.
Also noted by NC State
Related species the NC State Plant Toolbox flags for this plant — look-alikes to tell
apart, and plants that play a similar role in a planting. Ones we carry in the library are linked.