Berberis chitria (30/12/2013, Kew Gardens, London)
Position: Full sun to partial shade
Flowering period: Early summer
Soil: Moist, well drained
Eventual Height: 4m
Eventual Spread: 3m
Hardiness: 5a, 5b, 6a 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a
Family: Berberidaceae
Berberis chitria is a semi evergreen shrub with a rounded habit. Its mid green evergreen leaves are elliptic with spinulose margins, up to 6cm long and 25mm broad. The stems of this shrub contain large spines. Its yellow flowers are up to 18mm across and appear loose corymbs which are up to 12cm long. Its dark red/ brown fruit are ellipsoid berries, up to 12mm long and 6mm broad and persist on the plant during the winter months.
Berberis chitria Leaf (30/12/2013, Kew Gardens, London)
Berberis chitria, commonly known as Barberry, is native to the Himalayas region. In its native habitat it grows in a variety of habitats.
The etymological root of the binomial name for Berberis is derived from the Arabic برباريس, the Arabic name for Berberis. Chitria is derived from the Latin meaning ‘from the Chitral district, Pakistan’.
The landscape architect may find Berberis chitria useful as an in formal barrier type plant. It may be planted in semi shady areas including woodland edges..
Berberis chitria Fruit (30/12/2013, Kew Gardens, London)
Ecologically, Berberis chitria is attractive to pollinating insects. It fruit are attrative to some birds and mammals.
Berberis chitria prefers moist, fertile, well-drained soils. It tolerates most pH of soil.
Berberis chitria requires little maintenance. Pruning should be carried after flowering.
