Berberis buxifolia 'NANA' Magellan barberry

This low shrub is an attractive form of barberry. The main feature that distinguishes it from others is evergreen foliage. The leaves are 2-3 cm long, bright green, oblong or ovate with spiny tips. Unlike other barberries it has only very small thorns or is entirely spineless. Older leaves may turn red in autumn.

Magellan barberry has beautiful small flowers. They are deep yellow and appear in profusion in April. Nana variety is a dwarf, mound-forming plant, growing very slowly. It is suitable as a ground-cover, for rockeries, outdoor pots and small gardens.

Grow it in almost any well-drained soil, no fertilizing needed. Owing to slow growth pruning is not necessary. This shrub originates in colder parts of Chile and Argentina and is hardy to -30°C (USDA zone 5).

Last update 10-01-2009.