How to Grow a Wall of Barberry Bushes

Select a planting site for barberry bushes. These plants are generally tolerant of a range of soil types and lighting conditions. Some varieties of barberry bushes normally have purple leaves, which may turn green in shade.

Dig a hole for a barberry bush with a shovel. Ensure the hole is twice as wide as the bush's root ball and as deep. Loosen the soil around the inside of the hole.

Remove the barberry bush from its nursery container and place it in the hole so that it stands upright. Fill the hole with soil so that the plant's soil line is even with the surface of the soil. Pat down the soil gently to remove the air pockets.

Water the barberry bush with at least 1 inch of water immediately after planting to ensure the roots become wet. Provide the bushes with 1 to 2 inches of water per week during their growing season.

Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the barberry bush that is at least 2 inches thick. This keeps the roots cool and helps them retain moisture. Add additional mulch each fall to maintain the mulch layer. Fertilize barberry bushes with a general fertilizer in early November.

Prune dead and damaged branches from barberry bushes in early spring. Trim the healthy growth to attain the desired shape of the plants. Barberry bushes grow slowly, making it easier to maintain their shape.

Transplant barberry bushes into the area to construct the hedge. These plants can tolerate transplantation during the growing season so long as they establish their root system before the soil freezes in the fall.