barberries

Plant family

Barberry family (Berberidaceae)

Season Overview

Details

Light requirement

Sunny

Water requirement

Moist

Soil

Light (sandy)

Nutrient requirement

Low

Plant distance

50 cm

Row spacing

50 cm

Seeding depth

3 cm

Instructions

Description

The barberry vulgaris (common barberry or sour thorn) is a thorny shrub up to 3 meters high with yellow flowers in spring and red, tart berries in autumn, which are edible and suitable for jams or juices. The shrub prefers sunny, calcareous locations and is an important source of food for insects and birds. The wood, bark and roots contain the poisonous alkaloid berberine, so only the ripe fruit and young leaves (in moderation) are suitable for consumption.

Growing tips

Barberries thrive in sunny to semi-shady locations with well-drained soil and are easy to care for. Important tips for cultivation and care include pruning after planting, covering the root area with mulch, regular watering in dry conditions and wearing work gloves when pruning because of the thorns.