Berberidopsis corallina

Berberidopsis corallina is a rare climbing bush plant native to Chilean forests. With true elegance, it is characterised by its late and graceful summer flowering, in light clusters of small rounded bells, reminiscent of budding fuchsias, of a waxy coral red, carried by long peduncles. They stand out and shine against a beautiful evergreen foliage which is shiny green. Its stems cling by means of a few aerial roots. Not very hardy in moist soil in winter, it should be cultivated in well-drained, damp, humus-rich, slightly acidic soil, in light sun or partial shade. This plant is well adapted to the oceanic climate will also thrive in a cold greenhouse or a minimally heated veranda.

Berberidopsis corallina belongs to the family of Berberidopsidaceae. This Chilean plant is a climbing evergreen bush, reaching a height of 3 to 5 m (10 to 16ft), and a width of 1 to 2.50 m (3 to 8ft). Its growth is moderately fast. Its leaves are entire, narrow and cordate, measuring 3 to 10 cm (1 to 4in) in length and 2 to 4 cm (1 to 2in) in width. They are quite tough and very glossy, with slightly dentate margins, bright green on the top side, glaucous green on the underside, with small marginal spines. This plant has the particularity of flowering late in the season, from August to October (or from July to September, depending on the climate). The spherical flowers, with a diameter of 1.5 cm (1in), are carried by 5 cm (2in) long peduncles. They are gathered in terminal clusters, 15 to 25 cm (6 to 10in) long. Their colour is a very bright scarlet red. The plant clings to its support by means of a few aerial roots that sometimes appear on its stems.

Berberidopsis corallina is one of those rare plants whose hardiness is debated, probably because winters in its country of origin are indeed cold, but very dry and short-lived, unlike the winters we experience in most of our regions. It will be very beautiful in the ground, in mild climates, eventually forming a dome of shrubby greenery if pruned, or freely climbing a tree up to 5 m (16ft) in height. As it appreciates humus-rich and slightly acidic soils, it can be planted with hydrangeas, deciduous azaleas, or even Kalmia latifolia. This plant will also grow very well in large containers, which can be protected from severe cold in regions with long and harsh winters.