How to Fertilize a Barberry

The barberry is a hearty ornamental shrub gardeners use in landscaping because of its rich foliage colors, brightly colored berries and thorns. The Japanese barberry (Berberis thunbergii) originates in Japan and eastern Asia. It is an invasive species in the northeastern U.S. and is banned from use in some areas, such as Massachusetts. Wintergreen Barberry (Berberis julianae) and Mentor barberry (Berberis x mentorensis) provide a less invasive alternative to the Japanese barberry. Barberries tolerate a wide variety of soil conditions, though they prefer well-draining, dry soil to waterlogged conditions, with a pH of 6 to 7.5.

Things You'll Need

• 8-8-8 general-purpose fertilizer
• Mulch (optional)

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Collect soil and have it tested to determine the current pH and nutrient levels.

   • 2

     Spread mulch around the barberry to prevent weeds and quick changes in soil temperature.

   • 3

     Apply a light dose of the general-purpose fertilizer following the manufacturer's instructions in early spring before new leaves start to grow. Apply at a rate of 1 oz. per 3 to 5 gallons of water spread over 100 square feet. Barberry does not require much fertilizer, and you may not need to fertilize it every year.