Doomed by its vigorous, easy-to-grow nature to be forever associated with car parks, berberis deserves far greater attention for its prolific berrying habit. Deciduous forms are usually fiery shades of red, pink and orange, while evergreen forms are blue or purple-black with a waxy bloom a bit like a sloe berry.
Growing tips
Although most garden-maintenance guides suggest pruning berberis just after flowering in mid to late spring, a different approach is required when growing them for berries. To preserve the flowers that will develop into the bountiful berries, summer pruning must be skipped. To keep your plant performing at its best, thin out in winter, removing one out of every four or five stems, down to the base. This will stimulate fresh new growth
