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Berberis - Red barberry

Posted by paul3636 6a Ma. (My Page) on
Fri, Dec 9, 11 at 11:55

We are no longer able to buy barberry in MA.
I have one in the ground that i would like to split.
Can it be split at the roots to make 2 plants.
1/2 would be planted back in the ground and the other would be planted in a pot for training into a bonsai.
Any help or advise is appreciated.


Follow-Up Postings:

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RE: Berberis - Red barberry

I don't know a lot about that species so hopefully someone here (or in whatever forum related to the species is) but if you can't you might try air layering a branch. That way you could have a plant establish faster than by using seeds or smaller cuttings.


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RE: Berberis - Red barberry

That's a shame, Paul.
Berberis are some of the coolest little bonsai I've seen.
I was real tempted last year to purchase a plant to shape.

Why are they banned?

Josh


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RE: Berberis - Red barberry

  • Posted by tapla z5b-6a mid-MI (My Page) on
    Sat, Dec 10, 11 at 15:48

You (that's the collective 'you') can expect the best results for bonsai with B. thunbergii, unless there are other species in the genus I don't know about that are as predisposed to forming a trunk as thunbergii. Most, if not all, other species are more bramble-like, with a propensity to form innumerable canes instead of a trunk.

I do have a wonderful little slow growing dwarf I've been tending for several years that will one day make a very nice 'flame style' plant. I just wish it was green instead of purple.

Al


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RE: Berberis - Red barberry

I had one with a 3/4" trunk and It died after 5 years. It was a nice little shohin and I tried to put it in a smaller shohin pot and it did not make it. I think it would still be alive if I had waited until the following spring. I do miss it.
Al
If you put it in the shade it may turn green like the one I want to split did.


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RE: Berberis - Red barberry

  • Posted by tapla z5b-6a mid-MI (My Page) on
    Sun, Dec 11, 11 at 11:15

I do appreciate the suggestion, Paul. Thank you, but the plant is B thunbergii atropurpurea 'Bagatelle' and the purple (burgundy, actually) foliage is dictated by the plant's genetic code.

Al


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RE: Berberis - Red barberry

Al
The one that turned green in the shade is a red pygmy.
Paul


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