Water
Water regularly, especially when young, to establish a strong root system. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings once mature. Reduce watering in winter. Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot.
Also known as Chinese Barberry · Evergreen Barberry · Great Barberry
Safety note: This plant may be toxic to humans and pets. See toxicity details.
Wintergreen barberry (Berberis julianae) is a dense, evergreen shrub prized for its glossy foliage, sharp spines, and late winter to early spring yellow flowers followed
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun to Partial Shade
75% intensity
Prefers full sun for best flowering and fruiting, but tolerates partial shade.
Moderate
50% intensity
Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings, especially once established. Reduce in winter.
Well-drained
50% intensity
Moderate
50% intensity
Hardy in USDA zones 5-8. Prefers cooler temperatures for optimal growth.
Low
25% intensity
Benefits from a light feed in spring with a balanced fertilizer; avoid over-fertilizing.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | Yes 2/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | Yes 2/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
Berries and leaves contain alkaloids, which can cause digestive upset if ingested.
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water regularly, especially when young, to establish a strong root system. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings once mature. Reduce watering in winter. Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot.
Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins to shape the plant and remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches. This also helps maintain a dense form and can encourage more prolific flowering and fruiting in subsequent seasons.
Propagate from semi-hardwood cuttings taken in summer. Root cuttings in a well-draining medium. It can also be propagated by seed sown in autumn, though germination may be slow and require stratification.
Division of established clumps is another option.
Repot young plants every 2-3 years in spring to provide fresh soil and more space for root growth. Mature plants generally do not need frequent repotting and prefer to be slightly pot-bound.
Ensure the new pot has adequate drainage.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Wintergreen Barberry (Berberis julianae)
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Ranunculales |
| Family | Berberidaceae |
| Genus | Berberis |
| Species | Berberis julianae |
Similar in genus Berberis
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data