Berberis julianae: Wintergreen Barberry

This Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ publication is part of a series originally written by Edward F. Gilman. Visit https://ffl.ifas.ufl.edu/ to learn more about creating and maintaining attractive landscapes that protect Florida's water resources and environment.

Introduction

Wintergreen barberry is a rapidly growing perennial shrub that reaches a height of 10 feet and spread of 8 feet (Figures 1 and 2). It is ideal for use as an almost impenetrable hedge or barrier planting, with its dense branching growth habit, spiny leaves up to three inches long, and the three-parted spines located along the stiff stems (Figures 3 and 4). It is also one of the hardiest evergreen barberries. The leaves of wintergreen barberry may turn wine-red or purplish-bronze in the winter (Figure 5). Clusters of small, lemon-yellow blooms appear in late spring for 1 to 2 weeks and may occasionally have an unpleasant fragrance (Figure 6). Clusters of blue-black berries follow the flowers and persist on the plant (Figure 7). Fairly upright but more rounded with age, wintergreen barberry also works well in mixed shrubbery borders or as a foundation planting. Grouping three plants together in a shrubbery border makes for a nice contrasting textural effect.

General Information

Scientific name: Berberis julianae

Pronunciation: BUR-bur-iss jool-ee-AN-ee

Common name(s): wintergreen barberry

Family: Berberidaceae

Plant type: shrub; perennial

USDA hardiness zones: 6A through 8B (Figures 8 and 9)

Planting month for zone 7: year-round

Planting month for zone 8: year-round

Planting month for zone 9: year-round

Origin: native to temperate Asia

Invasive potential: not considered a problem species at this time and may be recommended by UF/IFAS faculty (reassess in 10 years); may be considered invasive in other parts of North America

Uses: hedge; border; screen; shrubbery border; foundation plant

Availability: somewhat available, may have to go out of the region to find the plant

Description

Height: 6 to 10 feet

Spread: 4 to 8 feet

Plant habit: vase shape; round; upright

Plant density: dense

Growth rate: rapid

Texture: coarse

Use and Management

Wintergreen barberry is adaptable to a wide range of soil conditions but looks best when grown on rich, somewhat moist soil in full sun or light shifting shade. Plants will require some pruning to maintain their best form. In time, the center of the plant becomes thick with dead and living stems massed together in a thicket. Remove the dead stems and thin the living stems to allow more light to reach the interior of the plant. Wear heavy gloves and a long-sleeved shirt when pruning this plant, as it has spines.

Propagation is by semi-hardwood cuttings rooted under mist.

Design Considerations

Given its rapid, dense growth and the presence of sharp spines, wintergreen barberry is an outstanding choice for creating a functional hedge or an impenetrable barrier. It serves as an effective low-maintenance screen for privacy and security, and is particularly valuable in landscapes where deer browsing is a concern. It also performs well as a structural shrub in a mixed border or as a foundation plant against a building. Winter barberry is exceptionally resilient, showing high tolerance for both drought and salt, which makes it a reliable option for challenging sites like coastal areas or roadside plantings. However, thoughtful placement is critical due to its thorns. To prevent injury, locate it away from walkways, patios, and children's play areas where people might accidentally brush against it. To soften the barberry's appearance and create a dynamic garden scene, pair it with plants that offer contrasting colors, forms, and textures. Muhly grass with its fall-blooming soft, airy pink plumes provides a stunning textural contrast to the barberry's rigid and dense structure. Coontie is a tough Florida native plant, that offers a bold, sculptural texture that creates an attractive, low-maintenance layer in front of or beside the barberry.

Pests and Diseases

No pests of major concern or diseases of major concern.