Berberis verrucosa - Barberry

Berberis verruculosa, more commonly known as the Warty Barberry, is a robust species with long flexible and arched thorny branches. Its dark green glossy evergreen foliage turns dark red in autumn. Its cheerful spring flowering, in the form of clusters of bright yellow flowers, is followed by beautiful blackish-blue berries in autumn. Attractive all year round and easy to grow, it is excellent for forming defensive hedges but can also be integrated into evergreen shrub borders. 

Berberis verruculosa is a species native to Western China. This plant is resistant to cold temperatures down to -20°C (-4°F), salt spray, and poor, dry soils. It has a compact, dense, branching and spreading habit thanks to its thorny and arched branches. Its growth is slow, reaching approximately 1.50m (4.92 ft) in height and 2m (6.56 ft) in spread. In May-June, depending on the climate, small clusters of 2 to 4 small flowers bloom in the axils of the branches. The bell-shaped flowers are golden yellow and nectar-rich. They are followed by small fleshy fruits of a chalky blackish-blue colour and ovoid shape. The evergreen foliage is the main asset of this barberry. It consists of clusters of small leaves measuring 2 to 4cm (0.8 - 1.6 in) in length and 1cm (0.4in) in width, with a leathery texture. The leaves are shiny green with a greyish-green underside, ending in a thorn. The foliage turns dark red in autumn. 

The Berberis verruculosa is a very adaptable shrub in terms of growing conditions and a good ground cover that is interesting all year round. It can tolerate ordinary, even dry and chalky soil. It can be planted in large borders, alone or alongside ground cover roses, Nandina 'Firepower', St. John's Wort 'Hidcote', or Lonicera nitida, for example. It can also be used in borders, large rockeries, or as a defensive hedge. This shrub can also be used to cover a slope along steps or highlight the design of a pathway.