Berberis is a genus of deciduous, semi-evergreen or evergreen shrub of the family Berberidaceae, native to temperate and subtropical regions of Europe, Asia, Africa, North America and South America. Berberis has thorny shoots and a height of 1-5 m.
Berberis thunbergii and Berberis vulgaris are noted for their colourful autumn colours, their leaves turning pink or red before falling. The species from China like Berberis candidula and Berberis verruculosa, have leaves that are brilliant white beneath, making them particularly attractive.
Cultivars like 'Rose Glow' has red-purple leaves variegated with white, while the leaves of 'Silver Beauty' are variegated with cream-white.
Berberis shrubs can be grown as specimen plants. The plant can be propagated via softwood or semi-ripe cuttings in summer. It is tolerant and easy to grow but have to look out for Aphids and powdery mildew.
Berberis trifoliolata http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Berberis_trifoliolata_fruit.jpg Stan Sheb
Berberis linearifolia http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Berberis_linearifolia0.jpg Kurt Stuber
Berberis trigona http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Berberis_trigona.jpg Luis Ibarra
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Berberis_trifoliolata_fruit.jpg
Stan Sheb
