Berberis eurybracteata

Common Names

Chinese Mahonia, Chinese Barberry, Leatherleaf Barberry, Kuan Bao Shi Da Gong Lao

Summary

Native to China, the plant features dense, spiny foliage and bright yellow flowers in spring, with a deciduous habit and winter dormancy.

In cultivation, it suits temperate climates and prefers bright direct sunlight on well-draining loamy soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH, requiring regular watering with partial drying between waterings; apply spring fertilizer (10-10-10) and prune in late winter or early spring; propagation is by semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer with rooting hormone, and roots form while keeping soil moist under indirect light; outdoor shrubs do not require repotting, whereas container-grown plants should be refreshed every 2–3 years; commonly used as an ornamental hedge or border, with spiny branches providing security planting, while berries and leaves contain berberine and are toxic to pets and humans if ingested.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

1 ft 8 in-6 ft 7 in

Spread

5 feet

Hardiness Zones

Zones 7a-10b

Sunlight Requirements

Full sun to full shade, including partial sun and partial shade.

Soil Type

Humus-rich, moist but well-drained loamy soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH

Soil Drainage

Well-drained soil

Soil pH

6.0-7.0, Slightly acidic to neutral

Bloom Color

Yellow

Bloom Time

Fall

Foliage Color

Green

Fall Foliage Color

Yellow, Green

Leaf Lifecycle

Evergreen broadleaf

Growth Rate

Slow-growing; reaches 1–1.5 m in 5–10 years.

Seasons of Interest

Spring, Fall, Winter

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Division, Leaf cuttings, Semi-hardwood cuttings, Semi-ripe cuttings

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts bees and other pollinating insects