Berberis x stenophylla (Rosemary Barberry)
Golden Barberry, Narrow-Leaved Barberry, Rosemary Barberry
Free-flowering, Berberis x stenophylla (Rosemary Barberry) is a medium-sized evergreen shrub with gracefully arching branches covered with narrow, spine-tipped leaves, 1 in. long (2.5 cm), deep green above and blue-green beneath. Profuse clusters of fragrant, bright golden-yellow flowers dangle along the stems in late spring to early summer. They are followed by small blue-black berries, which are attractive to birds. Rosemary Barberry tolerates a wide range of soils, excluding poorly-drained wet soils. Effective on banks and slopes, it can also be used as a specimen, hedge, or barrier plant.
- Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society.
- Grows up to 8-10 ft. tall (240-300 cm) and 12-15 ft. wide (360-450 cm).
- Performs best in full sun to part shade, in any soil as long as it is not soggy or wet. Drought tolerant once established. Best fruit production in full sun.
- Perfect choice for banks and slopes, coastal gardens, cottage gardens or as an informal hedge or screen.
- No serious pest or disease issues. Keep an eye out for berberis sawfly and powdery mildew. Deer resistant.
- Prune immediately after flowering.
- Propagate by seed or from semi-hardwood cuttings.
- Ingestion may cause mild stomach upset.
Requirements
| Hardiness |
6 - 9 |
|---|---|
| Heat Zones |
6 - 9 |
| Climate Zones | 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 |
| Plant Type | Shrubs |
| Plant Family | Berberidaceae |
| Genus | Berberis |
| Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
| Season of Interest |
Spring (Late) Summer (Early) Fall |
| Height |
8' - 10' (240cm - 3m) |
| Spread |
12' - 15' (3m - 4m) |
| Spacing | 180" (4m) |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Water Needs | Low, Average |
| Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Fragrant, Plant of Merit, Showy, Evergreen, Fruit & Berries |
| Tolerance | Drought, Deer, Salt |
| Attracts | Birds |
| Garden Uses | Banks And Slopes, Hedges And Screens |
| Garden Styles | Coastal Garden, Informal and Cottage |
Alternative Plants to Consider
Recommended Companion Plants
Find In One of Our Guides or Gardens
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While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
Requirements
| Hardiness |
6 - 9 |
|---|---|
| Heat Zones |
6 - 9 |
| Climate Zones | 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 |
| Plant Type | Shrubs |
| Plant Family | Berberidaceae |
| Genus | Berberis |
| Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
| Season of Interest |
Spring (Late) Summer (Early) Fall |
| Height |
8' - 10' (240cm - 3m) |
| Spread |
12' - 15' (3m - 4m) |
| Spacing | 180" (4m) |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Water Needs | Low, Average |
| Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Fragrant, Plant of Merit, Showy, Evergreen, Fruit & Berries |
| Tolerance | Drought, Deer, Salt |
| Attracts | Birds |
| Garden Uses | Banks And Slopes, Hedges And Screens |
| Garden Styles | Coastal Garden, Informal and Cottage |
