Berberis valdiviana

Barberry

Location

The South Border

Description:

A hardy evergreen shrub, slow-growing at first but eventually reaching 4m or more. The large leaves are almost prickle-free, dark green and glossy. Native to Chile large, drooping clusters of egg-yolk yellow flowers appear in late spring, followed by small, black fruit.

Site and Care:

Plant in any type of well-drained soil in partial shade. Tolerates full sun but partial shade is best to avoid sun scorch. This plant needs little regular pruning. However, to renovate old plants, remove the oldest stems at the base and cut back all branches to healthy young shoots in late winter. Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings but these are extremely difficult to strike.