Japanese Barberry... A Multi-Use Plant

Japanese Barberry (Berberis thunbergii) Japanese barberry is a compact, shrub with sharp spines, that commonly grows from two to three feet tall. Its roots are shallow and tough. The smooth-edged leaves range from oval to spatulate in shape and are clustered in tight bunches close to the branches of the plant. There are yellow flowers which bloom in May and are about one third of an inch wide, solitary or in small clusters of 2-4 blossoms. The bright-red fruits mature in mid-summer on the bush and remain into autumn and the winter. The berries are small and found singly or in clusters. We sell several cultivars of this species as ornamentals. These plants have good deer resistance. Small thorns act as an invisable barrier to deer. Once they encounter this plant, they nearly have to starve to be found eating them. All barberries prefers well-drained soils, although they're found in wet soils too. Barberies are typically found in locations of partial sunlight such as a woodland's edge. Barberies can survive well under the shade of an oak tree canopy. It is also found along roadsides, fences, old fields, and open woods. These plants can and do escape and are invasive. Japanese barberry was introduced from Japan. It is commonly planted for ornamental value (its scarlet fruit and autumnal foliage make it an attractive hedge), as well as for wildlife and erosion control. It easily naturalizes because its fruit is often eaten by birds, which subsequently disperse the seeds. The plant reproduces by seed and creeping roots. Wildlife is known to eat the seeds and distribute barberies. Branches can root freely when they touch the ground or get covered by leaveswhich allows single plants to become quite large. If your landscape is dominated by a sea of green plants, barberries will add striking color options. Besides being tough and deer resistant, they are easy to transplant. Barberries have much to offer. Barberries are drought resistant, pest free,and come in many striking colors. Barberries make excellent barrier plants. Plant next to windows to keep Peeping Toms away. There are over 20 varieties. Plant all barberries in partial shade to full sun. A couple of inches of compost or well aged bark mulch accompanied by 1-2 pounds of a 5-10-5 fertilizer per 100 square feet of garden area is recomended. Incorporate it it in the soil deeply. Since some types of barberries can grow to 6', allow ample space for the plants. We suggest 3' spacings for the plants. Most barberries grow the same width as height. Make the whole at least twice the size of the root ball. Tamp the soil lightly and water well after planting. You may have to refill more dirt to the plant as it settles. Mulch with no more than 1 inch of organic mulch. The first month and the first year are critical to surviving. Most barberries die because of dehydration on transplanting. Moisted well on tranplanting to encourage deep rooting. Don't allow the plants to dry out durring this year. Moisture is critical during the first year, especially in years like the past two. Water deeply when required, training the roots to go deep. Feed four weeks after transplanting using a slow-released fertilizer, like an 8-8-8 or 12-6-6 at 1 pound per 100 square feet of bed space. You can see info and articles about plants at Bill web site http://www.seedlingsrus.com