Safety note: This plant may be toxic to humans and pets. See toxicity details.
Gagnepain's Barberry (Berberis gagnepainii) is an evergreen shrub with glossy dark green leaves and spiny stems, producing yellow flowers and blue-black berries.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun to Partial Shade
50% intensity
Prefers full sun for best flowering and foliage color, but tolerates partial shade.
Moderate
50% intensity
Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings, drought-tolerant once established.
Well-drained
50% intensity
Moderate to Cold Hardy
50% intensity
Hardy in USDA zones 5-8, prefers moderate temperatures but can withstand frost.
Low
25% intensity
Fertilize lightly in early spring if needed, not a heavy feeder.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | Yes 3/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | Yes 3/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
Berberine and other alkaloids are present in the roots, stems, and leaves.
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water Gagnepain's Barberry regularly during its first year to establish a strong root system. Once established, it is drought-tolerant. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings, especially in hot weather.
Avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot.
Prune Gagnepain's Barberry after flowering to shape the plant and remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches. This encourages bushier growth and maintains a tidy appearance.
Light pruning can be done to control size, but avoid heavy cutting back.
Propagate Gagnepain's Barberry from semi-hardwood cuttings taken in summer or from seed sown in autumn. Cuttings should be treated with rooting hormone and placed in a well-draining medium.
Seed germination can be slow and may require stratification.
Repotting is generally not necessary for established outdoor specimens of Gagnepain's Barberry. If growing in a container, repot every 2-3 years in early spring into a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining soil.
Ensure good drainage to prevent waterlogging.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Gagnepain's Barberry (Berberis gagnepainii)
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Ranunculales |
| Family | Berberidaceae |
| Genus | Berberis |
| Species | Berberis gagnepainii |
Similar in genus Berberis
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
