Water
Water regularly, especially during dry periods, ensuring the soil is consistently moist but not waterlogged. Allow the top 2-3 cm of soil to dry out between waterings. Reduce watering in winter when the plant is dormant.
Also known as Beale's Berberis · Beale's Mahonia · Leatherleaf Mahonia
Safety note: This plant may be toxic to humans and pets. See toxicity details.
Beale's Barberry (Berberis bealei) is an evergreen shrub with attractive glossy leaves, fragrant white flowers in spring, and dark blue-black berries in fall.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun to Part Shade
75% intensity
Prefers full sun for best flowering and fruit production, but tolerates partial shade.
Moderate
50% intensity
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Allow top layer to dry between waterings.
Well-drained
50% intensity
Hardy
25% intensity
Tolerates a wide range of temperatures, including frost. Prefers cooler climates.
Low
25% intensity
Feed sparingly in early spring with a balanced fertilizer. Avoid over-fertilizing.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | Yes 4/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | Yes 4/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
Berberine and other alkaloids present in the plant can cause gastrointestinal upset and other symptoms if ingested.
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water regularly, especially during dry periods, ensuring the soil is consistently moist but not waterlogged. Allow the top 2-3 cm of soil to dry out between waterings. Reduce watering in winter when the plant is dormant.
Prune after flowering in late spring or early summer to maintain shape and remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches. Light pruning can be done to encourage bushier growth or to control size.
Propagate from seed sown in autumn or from semi-hardwood cuttings taken in summer. Seeds may require a period of stratification. Cuttings should be treated with rooting hormone and placed in a well-draining medium.
Repot young plants every 2-3 years in spring before new growth begins. Mature plants generally prefer to be root-bound and may not need frequent repotting. Use a well-draining potting mix.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Beale's Barberry (Berberis bealei)
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Ranunculales |
| Family | Berberidaceae |
| Genus | Berberis |
| Species | Berberis bealei |
Similar in genus Berberis
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
