Japanese name: ベルベリス メディア Scientific name:Berberis × media
[Overview]
An evergreen shrub that is a hybrid between Hiiragi-nanten and Mahonia lomariifolia.
The leaves are alternate and odd-pinnately compound, and tend to cluster at the branch tips.
The leaflets are leathery, with a few spiny teeth.
The leaves take on a reddish tinge in winter.
Erect racemes are produced at the branch tips.
The flowers are pale yellow with 6 petals.
The fruit is a berry that ripens to blackish purple, and its skin is covered with a white waxy bloom.
[Cultivation]
Propagate by cuttings.
It is suited to cultivation in the Tohoku region and south, and it is preferable to keep it out of cold winter wind.
It prefers sun to partial shade and fertile soil that is well drained and moisture-retentive.
In poor light it becomes leggy and flowers poorly.
It is vigorous and easy to grow.
For potted plants, water thoroughly from spring to autumn when the soil surface dries.
For plants in the ground, watering is not particularly necessary unless the soil becomes extremely dry.
Apply organic fertilizer in winter.
If the branches become leggy, prune to shape the tree.
There are no particular pests or diseases.
