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Berberis x ottawensis f. purpurea 'Superba' (Barberry 'Superba')
1 hour care
per year
per year
2.5m
Max height
Max height
2.5m
Max spread
Max spread
10-20 years
To maturity
To maturity
Low
Toxicity
Toxicity
Plant details
Botanical name
Berberis x ottawensis f. purpurea 'Superba'
Other names
Barberry 'Superba', Berberis thunbergii 'Atropurpurea Superba', Berberis x ottawensis 'Superba'
Genus
Berberis Berberis
Variety or Cultivar
'Superba' _ 'Superba' is a mid-sized deciduous shrub with deep red-purple leaves that turn brighter red in autumn. It bears small, yellow flowers and has red berries in autumn.
Berberis x ottawensis f. purpurea 'Superba' is: Deciduous
Habit
Arching, Rounded
Toxicity
Ingestion may cause mild stomach upset.
Awards
RHS AGM (Award of Garden Merit)
Flower
Yellow in Spring
Foliage
Reddish-purple in Summer; Red in Autumn
How to care
Watch out for
Pests
Generally pest-free.
Powdery mildew Powdery mildew
General care
Pruning
This plant needs little regular pruning, however, to renovate old plants, remove the oldest stems at the base and cut back all branches to healthy young shoots in the late winter.
Propagation methods
Seed, Semi-hardwood cuttings
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Where to grow
Berberis x ottawensis f. purpurea 'Superba' (Barberry 'Superba') will reach a height of 2.5m and a spread of 2.5m after 10-20 years.
Suggested uses
Banks and Slopes, Beds and borders, City, Coastal, Cottage/Informal, Hedging/Screens, Low Maintenance
Cultivation
Plant in any soil in a sunny or partially shaded position - preferably sunny for best fruits and autumn colour.
Soil type
Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types)
Soil drainage
Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Light
Partial Shade, Full Sun
Aspect
North, South, East, West
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Hardy (H4)
Companion plants
Botanical name
Berberis x ottawensis f. purpurea 'Superba'
Other names
Barberry 'Superba', Berberis thunbergii 'Atropurpurea Superba', Berberis x ottawensis 'Superba'
Genus
Berberis Berberis
Variety or Cultivar
'Superba' _ 'Superba' is a mid-sized deciduous shrub with deep red-purple leaves that turn brighter red in autumn. It bears small, yellow flowers and has red berries in autumn.
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Arching, Rounded
Toxicity
Ingestion may cause mild stomach upset.
Awards
RHS AGM (Award of Garden Merit)
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Colour
Flower
Yellow in Spring
Foliage
Reddish-purple in Summer; Red in Autumn
How to care
Watch out for
Pests
Generally pest-free.
Specific diseases
General care
Pruning
This plant needs little regular pruning, however, to renovate old plants, remove the oldest stems at the base and cut back all branches to healthy young shoots in the late winter.
Propagation methods
Seed, Semi-hardwood cuttings
Monthly care advice
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Where to grow
Berberis x ottawensis f. purpurea 'Superba' (Barberry 'Superba') will reach a height of 2.5m and a spread of 2.5m after 10-20 years.
Suggested uses
Banks and Slopes, Beds and borders, City, Coastal, Cottage/Informal, Hedging/Screens, Low Maintenance
Cultivation
Plant in any soil in a sunny or partially shaded position - preferably sunny for best fruits and autumn colour.
Soil type
Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types)
Soil drainage
Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Light
Partial Shade, Full Sun
Aspect
North, South, East, West
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Hardy (H4)
USDA zones
Zone 9, Zone 8, Zone 7, Zone 6, Zone 5, Zone 4
In order to add a note on this plant, please add this plant to your plant lists.
| This plant likes... | Garden match | |
| Soil types: | Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types) | Tell us... |
| Soil drainage: | Moist but well-drained, Well-drained | Tell us... |
| Soil pH: | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral | Tell us... |
| Light: | Partial Shade, Full Sun | Tell us... |
| Aspect: | North, South, East, West | Tell us... |
| Exposure: | Exposed, Sheltered | Tell us... |
| Hardiness: | Hardy (H4) | Tell us... |
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DISCUSS THIS PLANT
any ideas which is the best berberis to give bright yellowish foliage in a north facing bed? or any other plant suggestions for contrasting foliage in this situation. heavy soil, tends to keep moist.?
berberis coprosma being eaten
Berberis x ottawensis 'superba'
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