Species Oregon grape-holly
Purple-yellow blooms on green foliage with brown stem.

Oregon grape-holly

Berberis aquifolium 'Compacta'

Oregon grape-holly (Berberis aquifolium 'Compacta') is an amazing evergreen shrub, with incredible year-round color and texture. This hardy species is an excellent choice for small gardens, as it grows very concisely without needing much pruning to stay compact. It requires little maintenance, and in the springtime, bright yellow blossoms cover the stems, adding even more interest. In the fall it becomes even more striking with the arrival of blue-black berries and bright red-purple foliage. The Oregon grape-holly is an ideal choice for a unique and luscious addition to your garden, with its hardy, colorful appeal.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Cutting,Layering Propagation,Division,Grafting Propagation,Seed Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

5 - 8

Flowers:

Yellow Flowers In Spring

Sun:

Part shade,full shade

Fruits:

blue,purple Fruits Ready In Fall

Edible:

Yes

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Moderate

Poisonous To Pets:

Yes

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Thorny:

Yes

Care Level:

Moderate

watering

Oregon grape-holly (Berberis aquifolium 'Compacta') should be watered thoroughly, but infrequently. This species is a drought tolerant plant and is happiest when it can dry out between waterings. It's best to wait until the topsoil is dry to a depth of 1-2 inches before watering. Then water deeply to saturate the soil and then allow the soil to dry out before watering again. Generally, this will be about once every 7-10 days in the hot summer months, and about once every 2-3 weeks in cooler months.

sunlight

Oregon grape-holly (Berberis aquifolium 'Compacta') should receive full sun to partial shade. It does best in partial sun providing it with 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. If given too much sun, the leaves may become scorched or burned. If in an area with the sun much of the day, it should be planted in a spot that gets shade in the late afternoon. As an evergreen, Oregon grape-holly is also adept at using reflected light from other plants in its area, so even a slightly shady spot can suffice.

pruning

Oregon grape-holly should be pruned in the spring before new growth begins. Dead or damaged branches should be pruned away. Pruning a mature shrub will involve removing the oldest, largest branches and cutting off any shoots that have grown awkwardly. Prune to maintain a full, rounded shape. Cut back the branches to just above a dormant bud and, if possible, make the cut just above a lateral branch that is growing in a desirable direction. Avoid pruning too heavily; remove no more than 1-third of the plant's branches each year. When maintained in this manner, Oregon grape-holly should need minimal ongoing pruning.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Harvest Fruit

Harvesting of Berberis aquifolium 'Compacta' (Oregon grape-holly) typically begins in July and continues through September.

Starts Flowering

Oregon grape-holly typically starts flowering in April.

Harvest Fruit

Harvesting of Berberis aquifolium 'Compacta' (Oregon grape-holly) typically begins in July and continues through September.

Hardiness Map