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Berberidopsidaceae FAMILY

Berberidopsis corallina

Berberidopsis corallina

Edibility
0/5
Medicinal
0/5

Safety & Hazards

None known

Cultivation Details

HabitEvergreen Climber
GrowthMedium

Berberidopsis corallina is not very hardy outdoors in much of the temperate zone[1], tolerating temperatures down to about -10°c so long as this is not for prolonged periods[2]. It succeeds in maritime climates with their milder winters, but in general needs the protection of a wall and will succeed on a north-facing wall so long as it is protected from winds from that quarter[1]. If the top-growth is cut back by winter cold, the plant can re-sprout from the rootstock[2]. Prefers a deep, moist, humus-rich soil and a position where it is sheltered from drying winds and strong sunlight[1, 2]. This species will tolerate a slightly alkaline soil if peat or some other acid medium is added, but it is not really suited to chalky soils[1]. The plant usually forms fruit in Britain, but the seed is seldom fertile[1].

Propagation

Seed - best sown in a warm greenhouse in early spring. The seed can take 12 months or more to germinate and there is usually a poor germination rate[3]. When the seedlings are large enough to handle, prick them out into individual pots. Grow them on a shady part of the greenhouse for at least their first winter and then plant them out in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frost. Consider giving the plant some protection from the cold for their first winter or two outdoors. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, mid summer in a frame[2]. Layering. Cite as: Temperate Plants Database, Ken Fern. temperate.theferns.info. 2026-02-20. <temperate.theferns.info/plant/Berberidopsis+corallina>

Pollinators

Data unavailable

References

  1. [1]Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Vol 1 - 4 and Supplement. — Bean. W. · Murray · 1981 · ISBN - ↩︎A classic with a wealth of information on the plants, but poor on pictures.
  2. [2]The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. — Huxley. A. · MacMillan Press · 1992 · ISBN 0-333-47494-5 ↩︎Excellent and very comprehensive, though it contains a number of silly mistakes. Readable yet also very detailed.
  3. [3]The New Plantsman. Volume 4. — Knees. S. · Royal Horticultural Society, London · 1997 · ISBN 1352-4186 ↩︎A few articles of interest, especially Berberdopsis corallina and Tropaeolum species.