Is Berberis thunbergii invasive?
Invasive Terrestrial Plants: Japanese Barberry (Berberis thunbergii) There are two species of this invasive plant currently found in the US: Japanese Barberry (Berberis thunbergia), and Common Barberry Berberis vulgaris). Both are thorny shrubs that are now on everyone’s “do not plant” list, and are illegal to plant in several states, including nearby Pennsylvania.Berberis thunbergii, commonly called Japanese barberry, is a spiny, broad-rounded, deciduous shrub with obovate green leaves.Deciduous berberis lose their leaves over winter and are great because: They are ornamental, with many cultivars having attractive new foliage in spring and striking autumn colour.Common barberry or European barberry, Berberis vulgaris, is a non-native invasive woody shrub.Consumers should check scientific names on labels of any species they are considering purchasing for their landscaping. In this case, if the label says the scientific name Berberis thunbergii, then it is the invasive Japanese Barberry and should be avoided.
Where to plant Berberis thunbergii?
Plant Berberis in well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. It copes well with most soil types, including clay, as long as drainage is good. Space plants with their eventual size in mind and water regularly during dry spells until well established. Berberis grows best in full sun or partial shade. Some evergreen varieties, such as Berberis darwinii, are more shade tolerant. If you’re growing deciduous varieties, they’ll flower and fruit more profusely in full sun; however, very strong sun can scorch some of the golden-leaved cultivars.Evergreen Berberis varieties (Berberis julianae and Berberis darwinii) tolerate partial shade well, although they won’t flower as nicely in deeper shade, and aren’t recommended for full shade, where Holly is a better choice.Preferences. Berberis will grow in any free-draining soil in full sun or light shade. Those grown for their ornamental berries and autumn leaf colour, like cultivars of the popular B.Being a small shrub, it’s also suitable for planting in a pot to brighten up any outside space. Berberis ‘Admiration’ is best planted in full sun for development of stronger leaf colour. It will also tolerate partial shade but there will be less development of colour with leaves being greener.Deciduous berberis lose their leaves over winter and are great because: They are ornamental, with many cultivars having attractive new foliage in spring and striking autumn colour.
What are the common problems with Berberis?
Insects, Diseases and Other Plant Problems: Leaf spots, rust, powdery mildew, honey fungus, Phytophthora root rot and leaf scorch. Aphids and Berberis sawfly can be problematic. Use insecticidal soap or horticultural oil to protect your plants from sawfly larvae. You can also pick caterpillars off plants. Viburnum beetles, both the adult and larvae, eat leaves, which can slow your plant’s growth and looks ugly.