Berberis julianae

Wintergreen Barberry
Berberidaceae
Evergreen, Shrubs, Semi-evergreen, Decorative fruit or berries

BERBERIS

These dense, spiny-stemmed plants, especially the deciduous species, tolerate climate and soil extremes. Require no more than ordinary garden care. Each year, thin out oldest wood and prune as needed to shape—after bloom for evergreen and semievergreen types, late in the dormant season for deciduous kinds. They make attractive hedges. Informal style is best for species grown for spring flowers (yellow, unless otherwise noted) and ensuing berries, which are borne on previous year’s growth; species grown for foliage can be sheared. To rejuvenate overgrown or neglected plants, cut them to within a foot of the ground before new spring growth begins.

Closely related to and sometimes grouped by botanists with Mahonia.

Berberis julianae

Hardy to 0°F/–18°C, but foliage is damaged by winter cold. Chinese native. Dense, upright, to 6 ft. tall and wide, with angled branches. Spiny-toothed, dark green, leathery leaves to 3 in. long have reddish fall color. Blue-black berries. One of the spiniest barberries; effective as barrier hedge.