BERBERIS is an easy-to-grow, small or medium-sized, thorny, deciduous or evergreen shrub that grows naturally across northern Europe, northern Asia and South America.
Its foliage is usually small and rounded or oval in shape, the leaves of deciduous varieties often changing to fiery autumn colours, and an increasing number of varieties feature coloured or variegated leaves. Short, sharp spines develop at the leaf joints, often in threes. The wood of berberis branches and twigs is a distinctive yellow colour.
Colourful display of flowers
The small flowers of berberis appear in clusters in spring, and flowering can be so prolific that it creates a colourful display. Each flower has six petals and is usually yellow or orange