Barberry - shrub with thorns

Table of contents

Plant that heals
Evergreen decoration discounts

Many plants have a long-standing function in the garden, although they are suitable for a different, much wider use. This is the case with Thunberg's Berberis thunbergii, which is used as an excellent hedge shrub.No wonder - this plant from Asia is great for this role. It is viable and he althy, reaching a height of up to 2 m and grows well both in fully sunny and partially shaded places.Perfectly tolerates cutting, and the shoots armed with thorns create a barrier that is difficult to overcome not only for wandering dogs.

Many varieties of Thunberg's barberry also have decorative qualities. The often planted variety 'Atropurpurea' has gained popularity thanks to its red leaves. 'Golden Torch' has delighted plant lovers with its golden-yellow foliage, while 'Rose Glow' catches our eye with its multi-colored leaves with a marbled pattern.

The last two varieties have a compact habit and grow to a height of 1 m, which is why they are perfect for larger discounts.Planted between flowering perennials and ornamental grasses all year round, they provide an interesting structure to the whole arrangement, even in winter, when all varieties of Thunberg's barberry shed their leaves.

If these shrubs are still too large for our garden, we can choose dwarf varieties with a height of 30 to 40 cm. This group includes Thunberg's barberry 'Atropurpurea Nana' and 'Bagatelle'. Berberis buxifolia 'Nana' is always a green alternative for them. Low barberry perfectly replaces boxwood where it is greatly damaged by fungal diseases and pests.

Apart from leaves, flowers are the spring decoration of barberry. Small, yellow ones develop on the shoots of most species in May.Sometimes they hide in the shade of the leaves. On the other hand, against the dark background of the leaves of the red varieties of Thunberg's barberry, their larger bright clusters are clearly visible. After the insects pollinate the flowers, the fruit develops.

In autumn, small, oblong berries are red (in some species they are black).They are clearly visible especially on bushes that shed their leaves. They will decorate plants until on winter days they are found by tits, looking for food rich in vitamins.The only wild species in Poland is the common barberry Berberis vulgaris. It was quite numerous until it was discovered to be the host of the spring generation grain rust.

Plant that heals

The barberry, Berberis vulgaris, at home in our country, has been used in folk medicine for hundreds of years. To this day, dried roots and shoot bark are used.The infusion made of them helps with digestive problems and also relieves liver and gall bladder problems.Barberry contains a lot of poisonous alkaloids harmful to the kidneys, so it should be used very carefully.Red, vitamin C-rich fruit can be processed into juices and jellies without fear. Dried ones should be added to muesli.