Berberis soulieana (Pink Fruited Barberry)

Botanical Information

FamilyBerberidaceae
GenusBerberis
Speciessoulieana
CategoryWoody
TypeShrub (evergreen)
OriginChina.
Ethnobotanical Uses
Disclaimer		The fruit can be eaten raw or cooked. The berberine in the fruit is claimed to have anti-tumorous properties.

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone6
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness Zone5b
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness ZoneH7
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)-23
Temperature (°F)-10
Height1 - 2 m
GrowthSlow
Flowering PeriodMay, June

Description and Growing Information

LandscapeWorks well in gardens and as borders and groundcover.
PropagationPropagate by seed (although offspring may be variable), or by cuttings.
CultivationWill thrive in any soil type that is not waterlogged, and should be grown in full sun.
PestsThe bacteria Pseudomonas berberidis may cause black spots on leaves, and the berberry aphid (Liosomaphis berberidis) may also be a problem.
Notable SpecimensWestonbirt, The National Arboretum, Tetbury, Gloucestershire, England.
Bark/Stem DescriptionStems are grey and grooved, with rigid spines to 3 cm.
Leaf DescriptionLeaves are bright green above, paler beneath, rigid, growing to 8 x 1 cm.
Flower DescriptionFlowers show up to 10 per cluster.
Fruit DescriptionFruit is ovoid with reduced style, mauve glaucous-blue.

Photographs