Barberry Shrub

Barberry shrubs or bushes, also known as berberis or pepperidge bushes belong to a genus that contains about 450 to 500 different species of deciduous and evergreen shrubs. Barberries are known for their thorny 'barbs' and wiry branches and hence the name 'Barberries'. They are often used as fencing or for setting boundaries between yards.

Barberries are hard, woody, deciduous shrubs. They bear bright yellow, fragrant flowers in the spring. These flowers hang from the stem like a tear drop. The leaves of the barberry plant are small and oval shaped with a fine texture. The attractive foliage with different colors from bright green to burgundy and gold, make barberries useful in landscaping. These shrubs are slow growers and grow steadily in a semi-spreading fashion. Most bushes grow to a height of 10 feet, however, there also exist some dwarf shrubs. They are extremely sturdy and grow even in harsh conditions.

Barberry shrubs have a uniform growth and hence require very little maintenance. This is the main reason why barberries are often planted by garden owners as hedges or natural fences. A little bit of trimming and pruning at regular intervals is required for proper growth, as in case of any other shrub.

Pruning
Barberry shrubs are decorative plants that are often used for landscaping. No one wants their shrubs to be grown out of control and in unwanted places. Hence, it becomes very important to trim or prune these shrubs timely. But for that, one should know when to prune shrubs and how to do it.

When to Prune Barberry Shrubs?
Pruning the barberry bushes yearly is important to aid in better growth and blooming. Barberry bushes produce fruits or berries that create seedlings. It is recommended that you prune the shrubs after they have fruited, during fall or winter. Dead woods should be removed during summer months and the bushes should be pruned in the period between mid winter to late winters, before spring.

According to the University of Minnesota Extension, barberry bushes should be trimmed at the time of planting. This is important as it encourages the shrub to develop a strong structure. The shrubs should be trimmed to 6 inches from the ground and the diseased or damaged branches should be removed. This helps in encouraging healthy fruit and flower development.

How to Prune Barberry Shrubs?
Pruning the shrubs is not a very difficult task! Put on your safety glasses, heavy work gloves and other protective gear and get ready. The tools needed include pruning shears and long handled loppers. You will also need a nylon rope and a plastic drop sheet. Start pruning your barberry bush to the height, width and shape you desire. You can wrap the obstructive branches in the plastic drop cloth and secure it with nylon rope till you trim the other branches. Check for new sprouting plants and pull them out from the roots. Put all the pruning waste in a drag bag. Do not leave it on the ground as it may give rise to new growth. And last but not the least, protect yourself from the thorns of the barberry bush!

These colorful shrubs not only serve as hedge plants, but also create a nice backdrop for other plants in your garden. However, they require proper care and maintenance like any other garden plant. So, take care of them.