Barberry: types and varieties. Unusual properties and choice of barberry variety for a garden plot
We all have long known such things as Barberry candy, barberry-flavored soda. If you delve into this word, it turns out that many people's favorite is a shrub or tree of the barberry family of the genus barberry.
From its roots, bark or wood, a yellow dye is obtained. Its berries are edible and contain citric and tartaric acids. It is from berries that sweets, marshmallows, jams and preserves are made. Its leaves are also edible, they are used in the manufacture of various marinades. Some species are used to make honey.
Reproduction of barberry
- cuttings. The cuttings are cut and rooted in the greenhouse. Cover with foil, you can pour. The greenhouse is ventilated and the cuttings are watered as necessary. When the first young leaves appear, the greenhouse is opened to harden young cuttings. The soil must be constantly loosened.
- Seeds. To do this, you need to select well-ripened, ripe berries. Separate the bone from the pulp and dry. It will not be superfluous to treat with a weak solution of potassium permanganate. Seeds should be sown in the fall in specially prepared soil for them before the onset of cold weather. You can also plant in the spring, but then the seeds need to be stratified all winter (mixed with sand and kept in a cold place). After six months or a year, the strongest seedlings are selected and transplanted to permanent place. Fruiting begins 2-3 years after they emerge, every year, but since they cross-pollinate, it is necessary to have several plants nearby.
- layering. On an existing bush, you need to select annual young branches, then make grooves in the trunk circle, and as soon as the soil dries up, tilt and lay these branches in a groove about 20 cm deep, securing them. Then fill them up, leaving the top of the shoot on the surface. By autumn, ready-made seedlings can be obtained by this method.
- The division of the bush. Very carefully dig and cut the mother bush. If the bush is strong, cut the root system equally with a garden saw without damaging the roots.
Landing barberry
Barberry loves soils of normal acidity, but it can also grow normally on soils with high acidity. If the acidity of the soil is above PH7, then lime the soil. You can do this even when landing. To do this, add a mixture of earth (peat, soddy soil, humus) and about 400 g of slaked lime or about 200 g of wood directly into the planting hole measuring 40:40.If you plant bushes singly, then the distance between them should be no more than one and a half to two meters. If you are planting bushes to get , then you need to prepare a trench for them and place them at the rate of 2 bushes per 1 running meter.
Barberry can grow both in the sun and in the shade. But the plant itself loves the sun, many varieties lose their decorative effect in the shade. Spots on the leaves, patterns, color saturation of the foliage.
You can choose barberry seedlings in our market, where the products of many large online stores are presented.
About 500 species of barberry grow in nature, the main representative of the barberry family. (Berberidaceae). These are ornamental shrubs with elegant leaves, prickly shoots, spectacular during the period of lush flowering and abundant fruiting. Their dense root system is able to strengthen steep slopes, and the bark and roots are used in medicinal purposes. In a wide culture, most often there are only resistant species that differ large quantity elegant varieties.
Barberry ordinary ( Berberisvulgaris) in nature grows in the forest-steppe zone of Russia, as well as in the Crimea and the Caucasus, among shrubs, on forest edges and along the slopes of ravines. Prickly shrub about 2.5 m high with yellowish-brown shoots, arcuately diverging from the base of the bush. The spines are three-parted, up to 2 cm long. The leaves are dark green, grayish-green below, ovate with a finely serrated edge, sitting in small bunches on shortened shoots. In May-June, drooping brushes bloom on the bush with shiny yellow honey-bearing flowers that emit a pleasant aroma. In autumn, the leaves turn yellow and the brushes are bright red. juicy fruits hang on the bush for a long time. Fruits up to 1.2 cm long, sour, pleasantly refreshing taste are quite edible.
The common barberry is unpretentious in culture, has good winter hardiness, resistance to drought and dustiness of the air. He is undemanding to soil conditions, although it prefers light and limed soils. The shrub tolerates slight shading, but abundant fruiting is possible in an open sunny area. It is easily restored when pruning and gives large increments. Propagated by cuttings, division of the bush and seeds. It is used to create an impenetrable hedge, group and solitary plantings. Its main drawback is susceptibility to fungal diseases: rust and powdery mildew, which are more common in damp, cold summers.
The red-leaved form is very popular with the common barberry. ‘ Atropurpurea’ (Atropurpurea). The height of the bush is up to 2 m, the leaves are dark purple, the flowers are orange-yellow, the fruits are dark red. At seed propagation some seedlings of this form retain varietal characteristics. Much less common is the variegated form ‘ Albovariegata'(Albovariegata) - low bush (less than 1 m), dark green leaves with white strokes and stains. Wu ‘ Aureomarginata’ (Aureomarginata) dark green leaves with a golden border and spots. These forms require sunny areas, as in low light the intensity of the purple and variegated color of the leaves decreases. The form ' Serrata’ (Serrata) - with deeply serrated leaves, ‘ Sulcata' (Sulkata) - with strongly ribbed shoots, ' Alba' (Alba) - with white fruits, ' Lutea’ (Luteya) - with yellow fruits. ‘ Macrocarpa' (Macrocarpa) has larger fruits, at ' Asperma’ (Asperma) fruits without seeds.
(Berberisamurensis) grows in Primorye, Japan and China on rocky soil along the banks of mountain streams, among shrubs and on the edges of forests. In its external appearance, there is much in common with the common barberry. Tall spreading bush up to 3.5 m tall. Young shoots are yellowish-gray, with tripartite spines about 2 cm long. The leaves are shiny and rather large, up to 5-8 cm long, obovate, with small teeth along the edge. In spring, the leaves are bright green, in autumn they are yellow or red. The bushes bloom in late May and are strewn with long racemose inflorescences (up to 10 cm long) with 10-25 yellow fragrant flowers. Brilliant red fruits (up to 1 cm in diameter) are edible, have a sour taste, and hang on the bush for a long time.
Amur barberry is unpretentious and winter-hardy, withstands drought and extreme heat. It is not demanding on the soil, it grows well in a lighted place. Propagated by seeds, cuttings, root offspring and layering. Most resistant to powdery mildew, less to rust and Fusarium. Suitable for high hedges, single and group plantings. In culture, the garden form is known ‘ Japonica’ (Japanica) with broad leaves rounded at the apex and short racemes with 6-12 yellow flowers and domestic cultivar Orpheus, characterized by a low bush (about 1 m), compact crown, light green leaves, lack of flowering.
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Canadian barberry(Berberiscanadensis) is native to eastern North America, where it is found in river valleys, steep banks, high hills and cliffs. Tall spreading shrub up to 2.5 m tall with brown and dark purple shoots, also similar to common barberry. The spines are tripartite, up to 1.2 cm long. The leaves are oblong-oval, 2-5 cm long. It blooms with yellow racemose inflorescences from late May to early June. The fruits are bright red, elongated-elliptical, up to 9 mm long. It bears fruit annually and is always abundant.
Canadian barberry is also distinguished by good winter hardiness and undemanding in the soil. Light-loving and drought-resistant. The growths are large, it quickly recovers after pruning. Propagated by summer cuttings and seeds. Suitable for landscaping, but rarely bred in Russia. In America, since 1730, ornamental forms have been cultivated, possibly of hybrid origin - ‘ Declinata’ (Deklinata) with yellowish-violet shoots and crimson-red fruits; ‘ Oxyphylla’ (Oxyphylla) with pointed, finely serrated leaves; ‘ rehderiana’ (Rederiana) with thin red-brown shoots, oval leaves 2-3 cm long, rounded bright red fruits.
Barberry Thunberg ( Berberis thunbergii) originates from Japan and China, where it grows on mountain slopes. A small shrub up to 1 m high, with dense and sprawling shoots, up to 1.5 m in diameter. Shoots at a young age are yellowish, later brown and purple-brown, densely covered with thin spines (1 cm long). The leaves are small (1-3 cm long), obovate, bright green, bright red or purple in autumn. Flowering is annual, from late May to early June. Reddish-yellow flowers are collected in inflorescences (2-4). Coral-red fruits can hang on the bush all winter. The fruits are unsuitable for food because of the bitter taste, as they are saturated with alkaloids and tannins, but birds are willing to feed on them.
Thunberg barberry is resistant to drought, undemanding to the soil, unlike the common barberry, it is almost not affected by rust and powdery mildew. In severe winters, non-lignified shoots located above the snow level can freeze. Easily tolerates a haircut, grows quickly. Propagated by cuttings, division of the bush and seeds. Barberry Thunberg has more than 50 interesting varieties, differing in foliage color, shape, size and winter hardiness.
- "Aurea"(Aurea) has a rounded crown about 0.8 m high and yellowish-green shoots. In summer, the color of the leaves is yellow or lemon yellow, but in shady places it is light green. In autumn, the leaves are yellowish-orange. Flowers up to 1 cm in diameter, inside yellow, reddish on the outside, collected in clusters of 2-5 pieces.Fruits are bright red, shiny.Slightly freezes, recovers well, but growth is small.The first 2-3 years, shelter is required.Somewhat similar little-known variety ' Maria’ (Maria) - with bright yellow leaves and a narrow dark red edging, in strong sun their color almost does not fade.
- Bonanza Gold(Bonanza Gold), synonym ‘ Bogozam'(Vogozam) - miniature variety with golden foliage. The crown is dense, cushion-shaped, a bush 30-50 cm high and 70 cm in diameter. The color of the leaves is lemon-golden, it burns out in strong sun. Flowering and fruiting is annual, the fruits are bright red. It hibernates only under snow, above the level of snow it can freeze.
- ‘Atropurpurea’ (Atropurpurea) - common variety, bush 1.5 m tall. The leaves are purplish red all season, turning bright carmine in autumn. The flowers are yellow, with reddish stains on the outside. The fruits are red. During seed propagation, varietal characteristics are not preserved. It looks like a variety ‘ Carmen'(Carmen) with drooping branches and glossy red-brown leaves.
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- ‘Atropurpurea Nana’ (Atropurpurea Nana) - a popular undersized Dutch variety with a flat-round crown 0.4-0.6 m high, about 1 m wide. The leaves are dark purple, scarlet-red in autumn. Flowers up to 1 cm in diameter, yellow inside, red outside, collected in brushes of 2-5 pieces. The fruits are shiny, bright red. Look like him " Crimson Pygmy’ (Crimson Pigmy) - american variety with cushion crown " Kleiner Favorite" (Kleiner Favorite) - German undersized variety, ‘ Minima' (Minima) - a Polish variety 40 cm high with a rich dark purple color of the leaves and an American variety " Little Favorite" (Little Favorite).
- ‘Bagatelle’(Bagatelle)- a Dutch variety with a rich dark color of the leaves, obtained from varieties ‘ Atropurpurea Nana' and ' Kobold'. The crown is densely branched and flat-spherical, the height of the bush is 0.4 m. The leaves are small, ovate, brown-red, in the bright sun they become almost black-brown, in autumn they become bright red. It freezes over in winter, needs annual shelter, shoots grow weakly.
- ‘ Red Chief’ (Red Chief) - with narrow dark red leaves. The bush is large, height and diameter is more than 2.5 m, the crown is widely spreading. Mature shoots are red-brown. The color of young shoots and leaves is bright purple, at the base of the shoot is purple-brown, almost black. The leaves are lanceolate and obovate, about 3 cm long. The flowers are yellow, the fruits are pink and red. The variety is thermophilic, annual shoots freeze slightly.
- " Golden ring" (Golden Ring) - an original variety with a rounded crown, 1.5 m high. Leaves are ovate, dark purple in color with even light green edging, red in autumn. Flowers are collected in inflorescences of 2-5 pieces. Brilliant red-coral fruits hang on the bush for a long time. Needs winter shelter. Similar variety ‘ Coronita'(Coronita) - with smaller pointed leaves of the same color.
- ‘Admiration'(Edmiration) also with a thin green border on a dark brown sheet.
- ‘ Dart" s Red Lady’ (Darts Red Lady) - variety with red-leaved spherical crown. The height of the bush is 0.8 m. Young shiny leaves are bright scarlet in color, and adult leaves at the base of the bush are red-brown. Leaves are yellow in autumn. The variety freezes a lot, be sure to cover it, and organic top dressing is required in the spring. Similar variety 'Dart's Purple'(Darts Pepple) with brownish-red leaves, a bush up to 1 m high. In a red-leaved variety ‘ Red King’ (Red King) crown compact, height 0.8 m.
- ‘ Helmont Pillar’ (Helmont Pillar) - a red-leaved variety with a columnar crown, about 1.3 m high. The leaves are rounded, the young are concentrated along the periphery of the bush, pink-red, and the adults are red, in lower tier closer to the base of the bush, the leaves are yellowish-green with a rich purple coating. Similar varieties ‘ Red Pillar’ (Red Pillar) with dark reddish purple leaves and ‘ Red Rocket’ (Red Rocket) with red-brown leaves.
- ‘Rose Glow’ (Rose Glow) - a variety with a mosaic leaf color, up to 1.5-1.7 m high with an ovoid crown and straight prickly shoots. Young leaves are bright purple, with marbled bronze-red and pink-gray stains, adult leaves are dark pink and red-purple, with grayish splashes and spots. The degree of color depends on the illumination of the bush. The yellow flowers stand out against the foliage. Needs shelter, growths of 10-15 cm per year. Similar varieties " Ida"(Ida) and Rosetta(Rosetta) with pink stains and spots on burgundy leaves.
- ‘Kelleriis’(Kelleris)- a variegated variety with a wide spreading crown, up to 1.5 m high. The leaves are similar in shape and pattern to ‘ Rose Glow’, only they are green in color. In autumn, the leaves are pink and red, with light patterns. The variety needs good care and winter shelter.
- 'Harlequin’ (Harlequin) - variegated, similar to ‘ Pink Queen'. Shrub with an oval crown 1.3 m high and red non-lignified shoots. The leaves are red with pink, gray and white stains and specks. Compared to variety 'Rose Glow' there are more spots, and the leaf is lighter. Required winter shelter, increments of 10-15 cm per year.
- ‘Kornik’(Kornik) - a variegated variety with a greenish-white color of the leaves, on which there are numerous cream stains and spots. Bush up to 1.5 m high. Young shoots are red-brown in color, subject to winter freezing, shelter is required.
- erecta’ (erekta) - graceful variety with small light green leaves, looks like a garden form ‘ Minor'. The crown is narrow-oval, up to 1 m high. In a young bush, the branches are directed upwards, and with age they are more rejected. Abundant flowering, light yellow flowers. In autumn, the leaves are purple, numerous red fruits ripen.
- ‘Kobold’(Kobold) - a dwarf variety with small shiny green leaves, the height of the bush is about 0.5 m. The shoots are red-brown. The leaves are ovate, dark green, orange-yellow and bright red in autumn.
Among the barberries there are many resistant and decorative species, growing well in the conditions of central Russia. Japan is considered the birthplace of the plant. All barberries are thorny shrubs with a height of 1 to 3 m. The leaves are small, collected in bunches on shortened shoots. The fruits of the plant are edible great content tartaric and citric acid. But there are some varieties of barberry that are used only as ornamental seedlings. Interesting not only autumn, but also the main color of cultural forms. Perhaps that is why barberries are rarely spoken of as ornamental shrubs that give a beautiful color. But at the beginning of summer, in bloom, the bushes of these plants become especially attractive. Entirely dotted with small, but numerous yellow flowers, they look very impressive. In late autumn, the plant is decorated with fruits. Today, barberries of different types and varieties make it possible to combine different shapes and colors into beautiful garden compositions. See how beautiful the decorative barberry looks in the photo:
What does barberry look like and how does it bloom: photo and description of species and varieties
The most commonly used in landscaping are:
Any variety of barberry shrub is incredibly attractive. For many gardeners, the variety of species of this plant is confusing. But in order to make a choice, it is recommended to focus on the goal that you are pursuing.If you want a plant to please you with delicious berries, then these are some varieties. If you want to decorate your garden, use decorative types. Later in the article we will talk about barberries different varieties with a photo and description of the features of each. We have already mentioned them above. Note that each of the species presented by us copes well with both tasks: it will decorate your garden and give edible, tasty fruits.
Aureo Marginata
Albo Variegata
Asperma
The last representative of the plant of this species has a fruit without a seed, which facilitates its processing.
See how the types of common barberry look in the photo.
Compared to the previous species, its size is much smaller. An adult bush reaches a height of no more than 1 m. The branches of the bush spread in a horizontal direction. Depending on the variety, the young shoots of the plant can be bright red or even yellow, which later turn brown. The foliage is ovate, slightly elongated, the average length reaches no more than 3 cm.
In summer, the bush has a brightly saturated green color due to the color of the leaves, by autumn it becomes bright red.Color lasts up to 2 weeks. During this period, the bush acquires a reddish-yellow hue. The flowers of the barberry bush of the Thunberg variety have a double color: the petals are yellow on the inside, and bright red on the outside. Elliptical fruits reach 1 cm in length, have a coral hue and ripen in early autumn. If they are not collected, then they can hold out on the branches until the first serious frost. Barberry Thunberg, the care and cultivation of which does not require special knowledge or skills, will give a different, more aesthetic look to your personal plot. This species also has many hybrid varieties that are considered ornamental: many-flowered, silver-bordered, dark purple, etc.
See how Thunberg's barberries look like in the photo.
Ottawa variety - is a shrub that combines the qualities of the first and second species.
This species is perfect for regions with fairly severe winters. According to external characteristics, this plant is similar to Thunberg, but in an enlarged form. Its height reaches 2 m. But the leaves are closer in color and shape to the ordinary species. They have a pink-purple hue, which becomes almost black in the sun. On autumn days, when most of the colors in the garden are fading, the bush will be at its most beautiful, as its leaves take on a crimson hue and stay on the branches for a long time. Ottawa barberry, its types and varieties are shown in the photo:
Auricoma
Superba
Silver Miles
In addition to the listed varieties, barberries of various types can be found all over the world. decorative varieties, which differ in their color, and height, and the shape of the leaves. To create alpine slides use dwarf varieties barberry bushes:
Atropurpurea
Bagatelle
cobolt
See how effectively such a barberry looks - ornamental bush arnica in the photo surrounded by stones:
Their height does not reach more than 50 cm, so these varieties are called dwarf.
Growing conditions for barberry: how to plant and care for shrubs
Decorative barberry, which even an inexperienced gardener can care for, differs little depending on the type of plant or its variety. Therefore, it is enough to get acquainted with all the subtleties once and you can safely grow different types such plants, regardless of its form. You can find ideal growing conditions for barberry in any garden. When choosing a place for further plant growth, give preference to places that are not too dark, but also abundant. sunlight he does not like. Partial shade is considered ideal for these bushes. In such a place you will see all the brightness of the colors of the leaves and flowers of the barberry. Planting and caring for a plant does not take much time and mainly consists of:- the correct selection of the method of planting shrubs;
- ensuring timely watering, loosening the soil, harvesting weeds;
- shrub pruning;
- top dressing.
It is important to remember that in the first few weeks after planting, watering should also be carried out weekly, until the ornamental barberry is fully rooted. Planting and care in the future implies the absence of stagnant water in the soil. Therefore, it is important not to overdo it with watering.
Also, weeds should be removed in time in the area around the shrub. Pay special attention to the growth that will appear near the barberry bushes. It needs to be removed in time. From time to time loosen the soil around the bush.Fertilized barberry shrub at the time of planting, does not require more care than indicated above. Provide him with timely watering and air supply to the soil. This will be sufficient for young plant. But after a year it is desirable to do this in the spring, it should be fed nitrogen fertilizers. To do this, dilute in a bucket of water no more than 30 g of urea. Further, it is enough to do this no more than once every 3 years. But such top dressing will be acceptable for ornamental shrubs. If you also want to get useful fruits with good edible qualities, then also feed each bush with phosphorus and potassium, in a ratio of 1: 1.5. Pruning, as for other shrubs in the garden, consists of removing weakened or dry shoots. Such a process carries health and aesthetic moments. Remember that barberry bushes have sharp thorns, so use gloves and prune very carefully. The first pruning of branches can be carried out in the spring on a one-year-old barberry. Look at the photo and read the description of how to do it:
This cut is only used for tall varieties barberry. All shoots must be shortened by almost 2/3 or half. Dry branches are removed completely. This will help form a decorative bush that will look aesthetically beautiful.
In the future, pruning is carried out twice a year: early summer and August. dwarf species undergo only sanitary pruning.What does the barberry look like - an ornamental shrub before and after pruning, look at the photo:
Ways to propagate barberry
Many people think that this is a rather capricious plant. That is why some gardeners are afraid to grow it on their site. But the reproduction of barberry and care in the future will not be difficult even for an amateur. Let's try to dispel the myths that fanned the cultivation of this plant. There are many ways to reproduce:- cuttings;
- seeds;
- dividing the bush;
- layering.
Dividing the bush also entails some problems. For example, with this method of reproduction, there is a high probability of damage to the root system. As a result, both bushes may disappear or get sick.Despite all the difficulties, gardeners say that with the right approach and observance of all the subtleties, you will very soon see in your garden how beautiful the barberry blooms.
How to plant barberry: propagation by seeds
The plant can be grown from a small seed. Since the germination rate is quite low, it is recommended to plant several fruits at once. How to plant barberry from seeds? The process begins with the selection of ripe, large fruit. Sort a few berries from the bush you like. Next, clean the fruit and free the seed. It needs to be washed running water and soak a little in a weak solution of potassium permanganate. Next, dry the seed well. Sowing is recommended in autumn. Use open ground with loose soil. Make indentations up to 3 cm and sow the seeds. Winter frosts will harden them, and in the spring you will see the first shoots of your future barberry. Planting also entails caring for the seed, reproduction on which depends directly. To do this, the collected product is stored in the refrigerator in dryness, mixed with sand, at a temperature of +3 degrees. And only at the end of April can be sown in loose open soil. Seeds that have sprouted should be thinned out, removing the weakest sprouts. A year later, a strengthened barberry can be transplanted to a permanent place.With this reproduction, you will see the first fruits in the second year. There is a possibility that varietal traits may not be preserved in a plant grown in this way. But the situation can be prevented by vaccination.
Barberry can reproduce itself quite independently, by self-seeding. If you do not collect the fruits in the fall, then they crumble to the ground and may well take root. In the spring, the sprouts are not touched, and the transplant is carried out on next year.
Propagation of barberry Thunberg and other species by cuttings in spring
And yet, how to grow a barberry of the same variety? To do without subsequent vaccination, it is better to use the method of cuttings. To do this, it is enough to cut the branches from an adult bush, root and plant. But we note right away that not all types of barberry can give a good cutting that will quickly take root. In addition, this method requires a lot of time for the roots to germinate. To speed up this process, gardeners recommend using special root stimulants. Reproduction of decorative barberry by cuttings takes place according to the following scheme:- the cuttings are on the side branches, they are cut in June, up to 15 cm in size;
- the leaves at the base of the incision are removed, and the incision itself is treated with a root formation stimulator;
- soil is being prepared: peat and sand;
- processed cuttings are planted;
- all seedlings are covered plastic wrap or banks to create a greenhouse effect.
See how barberry cuttings look like, planting and caring for them in the photo:
Propagation of barberry by layering and dividing the bush
Another way to get a daughter plant of the same species is to propagate the barberry by layering or by dividing the bush into parts. Many shrubs in the garden can be propagated by dividing the root system. Barberry in this case is no exception. But here you need to be extremely careful and prevent severe damage to the root system, otherwise the bush will not be accepted. We will tell you how to plant barberry by dividing the root:- a healthy mother bush is suitable for division;
- dig it carefully out of the ground;
- divide into parts;
- place planting material into prepared wells filled with water.
Throughout the summer, both the bush and dug layers are watered, weeds are removed and the ground is loosened. By autumn, you will have ready-made seedlings that will retain all the varietal characteristics of the parent barberry.
How to grow barberry: disease and pest control
Like any other plant in the garden, the barberry is also subject to some. Therefore, if you want to preserve the beauty and fertility of your bush, you need to monitor its condition and take timely measures to eliminate them. Among the main signs of diseases that should alert the gardener, the following can be distinguished:- loose white coating on leaves and shoots - powdery mildew;
- on the upper side of the foliage there are bright orange spots, the leaves turn yellow and crumble - rust;
- gradual drying of the leaves of the bush, which spreads from one side to the other - wilting.
From wilting, only the timely removal of the affected shoots and the treatment of the bush with Bordeaux liquid will help. Damaged and removed shoots in without fail are burned.Often a severely affected bush cannot be saved. Therefore, it is important to identify the problem in time and fix it.
Insects that infect the barberry bush include aphids, sawflies and flower moths. If you find that the leaves have wrinkled on the plant and places of drying have appeared, then this is a clear sign of the presence of aphids. Look at the shoots and young leaves - you will surely notice this insect.
To combat it, you can use the old, but proven method - a strong soapy solution. Concentration: take 300 g per bucket of water laundry soap. The plant is well processed with a spray gun.The moth is especially dangerous for the barberry of the fruiting species, since it settles precisely in the berries of the plant. With her, as well as with the sawfly, they fight by spraying 1-3% chlorophos. See how beautifully the barberry blooms in these photos:
This plant is still quite rare in the gardens of our country. But if you want to surprise with such an unpretentious and beautiful shrub, then make every effort to plant and care for it, and very soon the barberry will decorate your site.
» Barberry
Almost every adult remembers from childhood a delicious candy caramel called "Barberry". This candy is named after the shrub of the same name, which has recently become popular with gardeners in our country. Barberry ordinary - quite an ornamental shrub especially during flowering and fruit ripening.
The plant is grown not only to decorate a summer cottage, but also for harvesting, because wonderful compotes and syrups, jams and jelly, liqueurs and liqueurs, marshmallows and jelly are obtained from its sour berries.
Armenian and Georgian cuisines cannot do without barberry, the pickled berries of which add a special touch to lamb, poultry, veal, rice and vegetable dishes.
According to the description, Barberry ordinary is thorny shrub, reaching a height of 2-2.5 m. Its elongated shoots and trunks are covered with thorns, which allows the plant to be used as a reliable hedge, planting several bushes in a row at a close distance from each other.
On shortened shoots, regular leaves of an obovate or elliptical shape are formed. The leaves are not large: the average length is 4 cm, width - 2 cm.
Foliage looks especially beautiful in autumn when its color becomes bright red or red-burgundy.
Common barberry is a thorny shrub that blooms in April-May, bright red oblong berries ripen in September-October Barberry shoots grow in an arcuate fashion different sides , creating a spreading crown that is easy to shape with pruning.
The creeping rhizomes of the shrub are located in the surface layer of the soil and become woody over time. The bark of the trunks is light brown.
Barberry blooms in April-May, forming brushes of 15-25 yellow flowers. The plant is an excellent honey plant - fragrant, delicately sweet honey is obtained from pollen. You can admire the flowering shrub for three weeks.
In place of flowers bright red oblong berries ripen in September-October, tart-sour taste. The average length of each berry is 1.5 cm, and the weight is about 4 g.
Unripe berries due to the high content of alkaloids are poisonous and unsuitable for food.
Growing conditions for common barberry
Barberry grows almost everywhere: in Central Asia, southern and central Europe, Eastern Siberia and North America. There is a plant in the mountains of the Caucasus and Crimea, which, according to biologists, are its homeland.
Barberry has good winter hardiness and heat resistance., therefore, among gardeners, it has gained fame as an unpretentious and easy-to-care culture that is undemanding to soil fertility and can be successfully grown on poor soils.
The plant is more suitable for neutral soils with an acidity index of no higher than 7.0. Acidic soil is lime before planting slaked lime, wood ash or ground chalk.
The only requirement that the barberry makes to the place of growth- deep groundwater and the absence of prolonged seasonal rains, since excessive moisture is detrimental to the plant.
Barberry can be successfully grown in megacities. If many plants do not tolerate urban air pollution, wither and die from dust and gas, then barberry "bad" ecology is not terrible.
An important condition for abundant fruiting is good lighting., so for landing it is recommended to choose sunny place. If the plant is planted in partial shade, this will significantly reduce the yield.
Landing in open ground
in open ground is carried out both in autumn and in spring.
Autumn planting is preferable, because in spring the shrub starts growing very early. If necessary spring planting carried out until bud break.
2-3-year-old seedlings are suitable for planting, although older plants (6-7 years) are also well accepted. For the future shrub, a hole is prepared with a depth of 40 cm and a diameter of about 50 cm.
At the bottom of the pit they pour fertile soil and fertilizers:
- rotted manure or compost;
- potash fertilizer - 2 tbsp. l (or 2 cups of ash);
- superphosphate - 1 cup.
Fertilizers are mixed with fertile soil so that the roots of the seedling do not come into contact with chemicals. After that, the barberry is placed in a prepared hole, covered with earth and the soil is tamped down with a foot.
In conclusion trunk circle watered and mulched with humus or peat.
Beneficial features
By planting a barberry on the site, you can get medicinal raw materials, because all parts of the shrub contain useful material . healing power The plant has been known since ancient times and was used by the healers of Babylon and India.
Leaf harvesting for the preparation of medicinal potions, they are carried out during the budding and flowering of the plant. They contain vitamin C, carotenoids and mineral salts.
barberry rhizomes also used for treatment, they are harvested in early spring, until the buds have blossomed, or in the fall after the fruit has been harvested.
All parts of the shrub contain the alkaloid berberine, which is used to treat gallbladder diseases and malignant neoplasms.
Preparations based on barberry have different medicinal properties:
Based on medical goals use decoctions of leaves, bark or rhizomes. Decoctions are not only taken orally, but also used externally to wash wounds and inflamed eyes.
Preparations with barberry in compresses and rubbing are effective for osteochondrosis, sciatica, rheumatism and arthritis. An aqueous infusion of the bark is used for angina for gargling.
Barberry berries contain acids- lemon, tartar and apple. Berry juice improves appetite and helps with constipation, providing a mild laxative effect.
Reception of barberry fruits with honey is prescribed after radiation exposure as a means of increasing the body's defenses.
Even the flowers of the plant are used for medicinal purposes. with problems with the cardiovascular system, preparing water decoctions from them.
We cultivate barberry in the country:
barberry care
Barberry care is not a big problem. The plant needs infrequent watering, loosening and weeding, top dressing and shaping pruning.
Watering and weeding
Considering the intolerance of moisture stagnation by shrubs, often watering the barberry is not necessary. In normal weather with sufficient rainfall, the plant does not need additional moisture.
But during the dry heat, the barberry needs to be watered once a week. warm water avoiding contact with the leaves. Weekly watering is necessary for young seedlings for better survival in a new place.
In the process of growing barberry, it is necessary regularly remove abundant basal shoots and weeds. After weeding, it is desirable to loosen to a depth of 5-8 cm to ensure oxygen access to the roots.
top dressing
If, when planting a barberry, recommendations were followed for the introduction of complex and organic fertilizers, in the first year after planting, it is not necessary to feed the plant.
Next year starting from spring, 20-30 g of urea diluted in 10 liters of water is added under each barberry bush. Such top dressing is carried out every three years.
When growing a plant for the purpose of obtaining a crop, barberry is fed after flowering and in early autumn with potassium and phosphorus.
For these purposes, ready-made complex fertilizers are used ("Kemira universal" and analogues) or potash fertilizer and superphosphate, 10-15 g of each substance.
pruning
The shrub grows rather slowly, giving an increase of 30 cm per year, but needs pruning from the first years.
Sanitary pruning. Sick, dry and thickening bush branches are regularly cut out.
Formative cutting. The formation of the barberry crown comes down to regulating the number of branches. To do this, you need to decide for what purpose the shrub is grown.
If the priority is to obtain a crop, then the bush is thinned out more strongly, otherwise, with a strong thickening, fruiting is sharply reduced.
Rejuvenation. Over time, the barberry ages and needs rejuvenating pruning, in which the old branches are cut out entirely and new ones are formed in their place.
Prune in early spring before buds open. Do not get carried away and do not shorten the branches too much. remember, that barberry blooms and bears fruit mainly on annual shoots.
Protection against diseases and pests
Barberry is susceptible to attack by various insect pests and fungal infections, but the main danger to the plant is rust, powdery mildew and barberry aphid.
Rust and powdery mildew. Rust appears as orange spots on the upper side of the leaves. On the underside of the leaves, convex “pads” of orange color appear, in which spores of the puccinia fungus are formed.
If the disease becomes threatening, then the shoots begin to dry out, and the leaves fall off. The close proximity of barberry bushes to fields of wheat, oats and other grains threatens the spread of rust.
Treat infection with colloidal sulfur solution (1.5%) or Bordeaux liquid (1-3%) . Processing begins in the first days after the leaves bloom and is repeated twice more every three weeks.
Powdery mildew appears as a white or grayish bloom and affects not only leaves, but also shoots with berries.
To combat the disease, colloidal sulfur (0.5% solution) or fungicidal preparations are used, the choice of which is quite large. Affected leaves and shoots must be cut and burned.
barberry aphid. The scourge of barberry is an aphid that settles in flowers and on the underside of leaves. If therapeutic measures are not taken in time, the plant will lose its decorative effect in a few days.
There are several ways to deal with barberry aphids:
- In order to prevent in the spring, the barberry is sprayed with a solution of laundry soap (1 piece per 10 liters of water).
- To prevent aphids from attacking, the bushes are treated with a tobacco solution prepared from 0.5 kg of shag and 10 liters of water. For better adhesion, laundry soap is added to the solution.
- Folk remedies are effective: decoctions and infusions of bitter pepper, garlic, marigolds and other plants that repel small pests.
- Good help insecticidal preparations ("Fitoverm", "Decis" and similar), which are used both for the prevention and for the destruction of barberry aphid colonies.
Barberry is a beautiful shrub with an Arabic name. It is used in landscape design as ornamental plant or a hedge, which, thanks to the thorns, serves as a reliable protection.
Barberry is attractive throughout the entire growing season: in spring - fragrant delicate inflorescences, in autumn - tassels of red berries and purple foliage.
Given the unpretentiousness of the plant, even an inexperienced summer resident will cope with it, and for easy care the plant will thank with a harvest of useful berries.
Barberry (lat. Berberis) is a perennial prickly shrub plant from the barberry family, fruiting with edible bright red berries. In the wild, it is found mainly in the Northern Hemisphere. The plant reaches an average height of 2-2.5 m. It has spiny shoots and simple serrated leaves. Lives for several decades. Begins to bear fruit from the third or fourth years of life. From one bush you can collect up to 13 kg of berries.
The plant has a number useful properties. The berries are rich in vitamin C. The leaves contain malic acid, vitamins C, E. Oil is extracted from the seeds. The bark and roots are used as a yellow dye.
Did you know? Barberry is grown as an ornamental, medicinal, honey and dye crop. The berries of this plant are used to make sweets: jelly, caramel, jam, juice, and also as a condiment.
It is known about the existence of about 500 species of barberry shrubs, including evergreen and deciduous specimens. Of these, 45 varieties of barberry are introduced in many countries. This article contains useful information about barberry and describes the most popular ornamental species and varieties.Amur barberry (Berberis amurensis)
Amur barberry grows to 3.5 m. It has a wide spreading crown and large foliage - up to 5-8 cm in length, which has different colors depending on the time of year. In spring it is bright green, in autumn it is yellow or red. The shoots of this species are prickly, yellow-gray in color. The plant blooms in May with inflorescences up to 10 cm long, containing 10-25 yellow flowers. It begins to bloom at the age of one year. The fruits appear at the age of four. The barberry bears fruit in autumn - the berries are oblong, red with a sheen, 1 cm in diameter.
Amur barberry, like most varieties of this crop, is unpretentious, its cultivation is not particularly troublesome. It can grow in any soil. It tolerates frost, heat and drought well. Resistant to diseases such as powdery mildew. Moderately resistant to rust and fusarium.
It is preferred to be used for growing tall hedges. It looks beautiful as a tapeworm. It also coexists well with other plants in group plantings.
The most popular varieties of Amur barberry are Orpheus and Japonica. Orpheus is a compact shrub small size(up to 1 m in height), with light leaves. It doesn't bloom. Japonica is beautiful due to its wide leaves and long yellow inflorescences, drooping in the form of a brush.
Canadian barberry (Berberis canadensis)
A native of North America, Canadian barberry is a tall, spreading shrub, reaching a height of 2.5 m and a diameter of 1.6-1.8 m. Its shoots are brown and dark red. The leaves are small, 2-5 cm long, oval. Starting from May, for a week, the barberry blooms with yellow inflorescences. Fruits abundantly, with red berries 0.9 cm long. The fruits ripen at the end of September. In appearance, the "Canadian" is similar to the common barberry. 
Did you know? Barberry is also called sour, sour, paklon.
"Canadian" likes to grow in sunny areas, in the shade it becomes less decorative. It does not impose special requirements on the composition of the soil. It is frost-resistant, well transfers the dry periods.
In the homeland of this variety, Deklinat varieties are especially popular, with purple shoots and crimson fruits; Oxyphylla, Rederian, with red branches.
Korean barberry (Berberis koreana)
This species has spread from the mountains of the Korean Peninsula. His bushes are quite high - they are over 2 m. The leaves are red. The flowers are fragrant, collected in brushes of 15-20 pieces. The fruits are small, spherical, 1 cm in diameter. The species is drought-resistant. Easily survives in the heat. 
The disadvantages of the Korean barberry include the fact that in frosty winters its tops freeze slightly, it is susceptible to rust, it does not tolerate spring thaws well.
Monetary barberry (Berberis nummularia)
Monetary barberry comes from Asia. Thermophilic. Refers to deciduous species. Young plants often freeze and recover after frostbite for a long time. The crown of these shrubs grows well, reaches a maximum height of 2 m. There are large spines on the shoots - up to 3 cm in length. Branches are painted red. Blooms bright yellow from late June to early July. It bears fruit in the second half of September with small fruits up to 1 cm in diameter of bright red color. 
In addition to the fact that this species cannot boast of frost resistance, it also does not tolerate excessive humidity - it rots and gets wet when water stagnates. Often affected by rust.
Important! Barberry should not be planted near crops. It is an intermediate host for the linear rust fungus that infects these plants.
Common barberry (Berberis vulgaris)
Shrubs of this variety of barberry grow up to 2.5 m. Their shoots are prickly, yellow-brown in color, diverge from the stem in different directions in the form of arcs. The leaves are dark green in color, the lower part is with gray tint. In autumn they turn yellow. Flowering occurs in May - June. Inflorescences racemose, drooping, fragrant, yellow color. The bush bears fruit in autumn, with beautiful oblong berries of sour color, 1.2 cm in size. The bushes retain their decorative effect for a long time due to the fact that the fruits fall off only after a long time.
Common barberry is characterized by frost and drought resistance, good tolerance to air pollution. He loves the light, but can tolerate light shade. The plant is practically not demanding on the composition of the soil. However, it grows best in light, non-acidic soils. It tolerates pruning well, easily recovers after this procedure, gives abundant growth. 
Propagated in three ways: seed, dividing the bush and cuttings. The ordinary barberry has one significant drawback - in the cold and humid summer period it is often affected by fungal diseases: rust, powdery mildew, etc. It is involved in landscape design in single and group plantings, for planting hedges.
Did you know? Barberry ordinary and Amur are used for medicinal purposes. Tinctures are prepared from them, which have a choleretic property and are able to stop uterine bleeding.
The common barberry has many forms popular in decorative culture. For example, a shrub with red leaves called Atropurpurea. Blossoms orange-yellow, fruits - dark red.
The variegated form of Albovariegat is also interesting. First of all, it attracts attention with its decorative leaves having a dark green color with white strokes and stains on the surface of the upper plate.
The form of Aureomarginata also has beautiful and remarkable leaves. They are dark green with gold splashes and a border. Among others, varieties with white berries stand out - Alba, with yellow ones - Lutea.
Ottawa barberry (Berberis x ottawensis)
The Ottawa barberry is a hybrid of the Thunberg barberry and a form of the common barberry Atropurpurea. In height, the shrub of this species reaches 2 m. It has dark purple foliage, which turns red in autumn. Blooms in late May with yellow racemes. 
When growing, it will only require mulching and organic dressings. Otherwise, this barberry is unpretentious. It winters well without shelter. Resistant to most diseases. Growing fast.
Of the varieties used in ornamental culture, the most famous are Superba (with dark red leaves), Purpurea (with scarlet leaves), Aurikoma (with bright red leaves), Silver Miles (with dark leaves with a silver pattern).
Siberian barberry (Berberis sibirica)
The Siberian barberry comes from Western and Eastern Siberia, Kazakhstan and the Middle East. The shrub is small - up to a meter in height and in diameter. It begins flowering and fruiting at the age of six. Flowering continues for 12 days, from the second half of May to the end of June. The fruits appear in August. 
This species is characterized by average winter hardiness. Due to the low decorative effect, it is practically not used in culture.
Thunberg barberry (Berberis thunbergii)
Thunberg barberry has been found in the mountains of China and Japan. This height deciduous shrub small - up to 1 m. In diameter - sprawling, up to 1.5 m. Young, strongly prickly branches are painted yellow, later becoming brown, red-brown. The leaves also change color depending on the season. They are small in barberry Thunberg (1-3 cm in length), bright green in spring, red in autumn. The plant blooms at the end of May. Forms yellow-red inflorescences. Fruits in autumn. The fruits may not fall off throughout the winter. They are not suitable for food, because they are bitter. 
Barberry Thunberg has the same advantages as most varieties of oxalis - it is drought-resistant, frost-resistant, undemanding to the soil, easily tolerates pruning. In addition, it is practically not affected by powdery mildew and rust.
Important! Since the shoots of most barberries have simple, triple, five spines, you will need to protect your hands with gloves during the pruning procedure.
This species has about 50 interesting forms. Among them: 
You can not ignore the variegated varieties. For example, Kelleris, Harlequin, Kornik, Rose Glow. Also especially decorative are varieties with red leaves, which are painted in interesting shades at different times of the year: Helmont Pillar, Darts Red Lady.
Turkmen barberry (Berberis turcomanica)
A tall shrub native to the mountain slopes of Central Asia. Reaches a height of 3 m, but grows slowly. It begins flowering and fruiting at the age of seven. The duration of flowering is about two weeks. The fruits appear in early October. 
The species is winter and drought resistant. Not used for landscaping.