Blue Barberry

A beautiful shrub that can be trained against a wall, Berberis temolaica is a medium-sized, deciduous shrub with branches, glaucous when young, later purple. Oblong leaves are grey-green. Solitary, pale yellow flowers are borne in May, and are followed by egg-shaped berries, red with a white bloom. Good in a cottage, wildlife or informal garden. Watch out for Berberis sawfly, aphids and powdery mildew. Blue barberry holds the RHS Award of Garden Merit.

Site: Tolerates exposure, including coastal
Soil: Any well-drained soil
Position: Full sun or partial shade
Season of interest: Late spring to early summer, and autumn
Hardiness: Very hardy
Height:  5-8’ (1.5-2.5m) Spread: 5-8’ (1.5-2.5m) in 5-10 years