As Seen On Dragons' Den! Use Code 'DRAGONS' For 10% Off Your First Order!
Back
Berberis vulgaris
Berberis vulgaris
Berberis vulgaris
Berberis vulgaris

Berberis vulgaris

TAXONOMY

FamilyBerberidaceae
GenusBerberis
Zone4

ABOUT

Berberis vulgaris, commonly known as European barberry, is a deciduous shrub native to central and southern Europe, northwest Africa, and western Asia. It is known for its bright yellow flowers and red berries. The plant goes dormant in winter and is well-suited to temperate climates.

ALSO KNOWN AS

Common Barberry
Berberis abortiva
Berberis acida
Berberis aethnensis
Berberis alba
Berberis angulizans
Berberis apyrena
Berberis arborescens
Berberis articulata
Berberis asperma
Berberis aurea
Berberis bigelovii
Berberis corallina
Berberis dentata
Berberis dentata var. capitata
Berberis dulcis
Berberis dumetorum
Berberis edulis
Berberis elongata
Berberis globularis
Berberis hakodate
Berberis heterophylla
Berberis innominata
Berberis irritabilis
Berberis jacquinii
Berberis latifolia
Berberis marginata
Berberis maxima
Berberis maximowiczii
Berberis microphylla
Berberis mitis
Berberis nepalensis
Berberis nitens
Berberis obovata
Berberis orientalis
Berberis pangharengensis
Berberis pauciflora
Berberis racemosa
Berberis rubra
Berberis sanguinea
Berberis sanguinolenta
Berberis sibirica
Berberis sieboldii
Berberis sulcata
Berberis sylvestris
Berberis violacea
Berberis vulgaris f. vulgaris
Berberis vulgaris subsp. cantabrica
Berberis vulgaris subsp. orientalis
Berberis vulgaris var. acutifolia
Berberis vulgaris var. alba
Berberis vulgaris var. alpestris
Berberis vulgaris var. apyrena
Berberis vulgaris var. asperma
Berberis vulgaris var. flava
Berberis vulgaris var. ilicifolia
Berberis vulgaris var. innominata
Berberis vulgaris var. lutea
Berberis vulgaris var. nigra
Berberis vulgaris var. orientalis
Berberis vulgaris var. purpurea
Berberis vulgaris var. purpurifolia
Berberis vulgaris var. rubra
Berberis vulgaris var. sanguinea
Berberis vulgaris var. serotina
Berberis vulgaris var. sulcata
Berberis vulgaris var. violacea

OVERVIEW

WaterDry
SoilLoamy
LightDirect Bright (6 Hours)
Temperature15° C
Humidity50%
Dormancy3 Months
pH6.5
Pressure1,013 mbar

DETAILS

Care Instructions
Berberis vulgaris thrives in bright, direct sunlight and prefers moderate temperatures. It requires regular watering but can tolerate periods of dryness. The plant does well in moderate humidity and should be protected from extreme cold.
Soil
This shrub prefers well-draining loamy soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. Ensure the soil is not waterlogged to prevent root rot. A good mix of organic matter can help improve soil quality.
Fertilizer
Use a balanced fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10. Fertilize in early spring and again in mid-summer to support healthy growth. Avoid over-fertilizing as it can lead to excessive foliage at the expense of flowers and berries.
Repotting
Berberis vulgaris is not typically grown in pots, so repotting is not usually necessary. If grown in a container, repot every 2-3 years to refresh the soil and provide more space for root growth.
Propagation
Propagate Berberis vulgaris through semi-hardwood cuttings taken in late summer or early autumn. Ensure the cuttings are kept in a humid environment until roots develop. Alternatively, seeds can be sown in autumn.
Pruning
Prune Berberis vulgaris in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Remove any dead or damaged branches and thin out crowded areas to improve air circulation. Regular pruning helps maintain the shape and health of the shrub.
Toxicity
All parts of Berberis vulgaris, especially the berries, contain berberine, which is toxic to pets and humans if ingested in large quantities. Symptoms of poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy.
Additional
Berberis vulgaris is often used as a hedge or ornamental plant due to its attractive flowers and berries. It also has historical uses in traditional medicine, although caution is advised due to its toxicity.
REVOLUTIONIZE YOUR PLANT CARE
Make Every Plant Smart
Plant Monitor

Plant Monitor

STAYS IN YOUR PLANT

Accurately measures the core metrics of your plant – soil moisture, light, temperature and humidity - as well as compound metrics such as Vapor Pressure Deficit (VPD) and Growing Degree Days (GDD).

Shop Now
Mobile App

Mobile App

DOWNLOAD ON YOUR DEVICE

Evaluates your plants' data, current weather, seasonality and more to precisely notify you about your plants needs. The app also comes loaded with many extra features to ensure your plants flourish.

newsletter background

Join Our Growing Community

Join for 10% off your first purchase, exclusive offers, better plant care, and more