Bright red berries on Barberry plants stand out amongst a sea of white snow in the English Garden at Assiniboine Park during the winter months. Barberry bushes are winter-hardy, low maintenance, and colourful throughout the year making them an excellent choice for providing visual interest to gardens and yards during Manitoban winters.
Depending on the variety, Barberry can grow up to approximately ten feet tall and is capable of thriving in either sun or partial shade, but prefers full sun. Barberry is adaptable and tolerant of heat, drought, and dry soil but is intolerant to poorly-drained and wet soils.
In some regions of the world, varieties of Barberry are considered an invasive species. Berries from this plant can be spread by local wildlife, and this easy to grow shrub can spread throughout native habitats. The berries from Barberry plants are eaten in traditional dishes in various regions of the world, and the berries have been used medicinally. However, some barberry may be mildly toxic.
Barberry is typically not seriously impacted by disease or insects, and is also deer resistant. Barberry can currently be seen at the English Garden.
