Hi,
I’m seeking help for this Barberry that the homeowner wants to grow upright. Kind of like how Thuja Arborvitae grows, or like “rocketship.” Anyone know the kind of barberry this is?
Can this be done?
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What does the styling/shaping process look like to achieve this look?
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Pruning: Timing and techniques?
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How does it react to heading cuts?
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Care: Fertilizer? Maintenance?
by Hinoki1
7 Comments
Depending on where you live, the best course might be to remove it. https://www.invasiveplantatlas.org/subject.html?sub=3010 in the north east and Midwest, these Japanese barberries are really invasive and can increase the populations of ticks in natural areas.
Otherwise, I typically see these cut into a roundish generic bush shape. Just be careful of the thorns.
Japanese barberry is not only highly invasive, it increases tick populations. Please replace it with a shrub native to your area. If you want a similar look, inkberry (Ilex glabra) is a good choice. You could also do a high bush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum) which has beautiful fall color, and you get to eat blueberries. Also a great plant for pollinators, especially bumblebees. Please join us over in r/nativeplantgardening to learn more 🙂
Cut it down
Haha my old enemy Japanese barberry. I’ve gotten many ticks and many cuts trying to kill these plants. Please consider replacing it with something native to your area.
This list from Oregon State might be helpful, there’s a section on shrubs. https://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalog/pub/ec-1577-gardening-oregon-native-plants-west-cascades#shrubs
I would make a big sweeping cut at the base of the plant and then dig the rest of it up, personally.
Please cut this down! I volunteer to remove barberry, and it’s completely taken over my area’s stream beds.
I like to leave them unshapes- selectively pruning the wildest of hairs sticking out- i like the the fountain look and the color gradient is awesome. But also boo invasives.