Gagnepain's Barberry
berberis gagnepainii
Also known as: ["Gagnepain Barberry"]
Overview
A deciduous shrub with spiny stems, small leaves, and yellow flowers followed by berries.
Benefits & Perks
["disease resistant","deer resistant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Berberidales |
| Family: | Berberidaceae |
| Genus: | Berberis |
| Botanical Name: | Berberis gagnepainii |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Shrubs
- Suitable Location: border plantings or mixed shrubbery in garden beds
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"7–9"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to moderate-draining.
- Soil Type: Well-draining loamy soil with organic matter; can tolerate poor soils.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring before new growth starts.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate (remove up to one-third of old growth).
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade (4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily); tolerates light shade in hot climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense sunlight, protect from harsh afternoon sun, adjust placement based on seasonal light intensity.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant for even light exposure; use sheer curtains to filter intense sun; move outdoors in spring/summer for optimal light.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, allow soil to dry partially between waterings, avoid waterlogging.
Soil
well-drained, loamy soil with moderate organic content
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Avoid heavy clay soils; ensure good aeration; topdress with compost annually.
Temperature
Prefers cool to moderate temperatures (50–75°F or 10–24°C); thrives in cooler climates, tolerates mild frost.
Protect from frost; avoid sudden temperature swings; ensure good air circulation in hot weather.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize before new growth emerges; reduce frequency in fall; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings (softwood or semi-hardwood) in late spring/early summer.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings, remove lower leaves, apply rooting hormone, plant in medium, maintain humidity, keep warm.
Best Time: Late spring to early summer when new growth is developing.
Environment
High humidity (70–90%), warm temperatures (65–75°F or 18–24°C), indirect light.
Medium
Well-draining mix of peat and perlite or cactus mix.
Hormone
Recommended (rooting hormone powder or liquid).
Timeline
Roots develop in 4–8 weeks; new growth appears in 2–4 months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, propagation tray, plastic wrap or dome, misting bottle.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain consistent moisture; provide bottom heat for faster rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Thinning cuts to open the plant, heading back to encourage branching, selective removal of crossing branches.
Pruning Plan
Shape plant, encourage bushier growth, remove dead/diseased wood, improve air circulation.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers (for thicker stems), sterilizing solution.
Checklist
Sterilize tools, prune before active growth, remove dead/diseased wood first, make clean cuts just above buds.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins.
Pot Size
One size larger pot (e.g., +2 inches in diameter).
Method
Remove plant gently, trim rootbound roots, place in slightly larger pot with fresh soil, ensure good drainage.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; beneficial for container-grown plants to refresh soil and space.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot, prepare new soil mix, trim roots if needed, water after repotting, place in shade for a few days.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture, water deeply, ensure drainage, avoid wetting foliage, adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the root zone, apply slowly to avoid runoff, ensure water penetrates the root ball, water in the morning to minimize evaporation.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry, typically every 7–10 days during growing season (spring/summer); reduce frequency to every 2–3 weeks in fall/winter.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure for fertility, mix in perlite or sand for drainage, ensure organic matter is well-decomposed.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf scorch in excessive heat, leaf drop or stunted growth in prolonged cold, wilting in temperature stress.
Cold Stress
Slows growth, may cause leaf drop, vulnerable to root damage if soil freezes.
Solution: Provide winter protection (mulch, burlap wrap), avoid overwatering in cold, move potted plants to sheltered locations.
Hot Stress
Leaf scorch, wilting, reduced flowering, potential dehydration.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade, increase humidity, water more frequently but avoid waterlogging, use shade cloth if needed.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check fertilizer type, dilute correctly, apply during growing season, avoid contact with roots, rinse soil periodically.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring; liquid fertilizer diluted to half-strength monthly during growing season; avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
ToxicCats are sensitive to the alkaloids present in Berberis gagnepainii, which can cause severe gastrointestinal and systemic effects. The berries and seeds are the most toxic components.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
ToxicThe alkaloids in Berberis gagnepainii can be harmful to dogs, leading to gastrointestinal upset and potential systemic toxicity. The berries and seeds are particularly dangerous due to their alkaloid content.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
ToxicBerberis gagnepainii contains alkaloids, particularly berberine, which can cause gastrointestinal distress and other systemic effects upon ingestion. The berries and seeds are the most toxic parts due to their higher concentration of these compounds.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Berberis gagnepainii toxic to pets?
A: Yes, it is mildly toxic to dogs and cats.
Q: Does this plant attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds.
Q: How difficult is it to care for?
A: It has moderate care difficulty, requiring regular maintenance.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Berberidaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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