Berberidopsis

Family. Berberidopsidaceae. 

Origin. Chile.

Description. In the forests of Chile, berberidopsis climbs trees up to a height of 4 m. In the climate of Western Europe, this is an ideal plant for decorating shady places. The leaves are leathery, heart-shaped or ovate, decorative, bright evergreen, the inflorescences are beautiful pendulous clusters of bright red flowers, contrasting with dark green foliage, appearing in summer and autumn. The flowers are round, about 1.5 cm in diameter.

Height. 4 - 5 cm.

Home care

Temperature conditions

The plant is resistant to temperatures down to -10°C in open ground. When grown in a pot, it should be moved indoors after the first night frosts and kept in a cool, bright place, with moderate watering.

Lighting

Does not like direct sunlight, prefers partial shade. 

Care

Grow this evergreen climbing plant in a large pot or container with humus-rich, moisture-retentive soil. Protect from wind. Trim old branches in spring. Berberidopsis needs support.

Substrate

The soil should be well-drained and free of lime.

Feeding

During the growing season, 2 times a month with complex liquid fertilizers. 

Purpose

The stems are quite flexible and can be used for weaving baskets.

Flowering time

July - September.

Air humidity

No special requirements. 

Soil moisture

Watering is frequent and abundant in the summer, reduce during the rest period in winter. 

Transfer

Every spring in a larger pot.

Reproduction

Propagated by seeds in spring or semi-ripe stem cuttings and layering in late summer or autumn. Seeds are sown in a warm greenhouse in early spring, germination is very long - up to 12 months or more, germination is poor.