Japanese name: ベルベリス ユリアナエ Scientific name:Berberis julianae
[Overview]
An evergreen shrub about 1–3 m tall.
Young branches are ridged, and sharp, sturdy, three-branched spines 1–4 cm long are conspicuous at the nodes of the branches.
Leaves are simple, clustered on short shoots and alternate on long shoots, oblong to oblanceolate, 3–10 cm long and 1–3 cm wide.
The leaves are leathery, with 10–20 pairs of spiny teeth on the margins.
Old leaves turn red before falling.
At the tips of short shoots, 10–25 yellow six-petaled flowers are densely borne in clusters.
The fruit is an elliptical berry that ripens bluish black and is covered with a white bloom.
[Cultivation]
Propagate from seed or by cuttings.
For seed, collect ripe fruit, wash off the pulp with water, and sow immediately.
It grows in sun to partial shade and is not particular about soil, but prefers fertile soil that does not become too dry.
It is hardy 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 it becomes extremely dry.
Apply slow-release fertilizer in winter.
If the branches become leggy, prune to tidy the shape.
There are no particular pests or diseases.
