Oregon grape Berberis × stenophylla 'Corallina Compacta'

Water

The Oregon Grape 'Corallina Compacta' should be watered thoroughly, allowing the soil to become moderately dry between waterings. During the growing season, spring through fall, this typically means watering once every week or two, depending on the weather conditions. Supply about 1 to 1.5 gallons of water for each plant during each watering session. In the winter, reduce watering frequency to only once every few weeks as the plant's water requirements decrease. Ensure good drainage to prevent waterlogging, which can lead to root rot.

Light

Oregon Grape 'Corallina Compacta' thrives in full sun to partial shade. It prefers a spot that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight a day but can also tolerate some light shade. Avoid deep shade as it may lead to sparse foliage and reduced flowering. A south or west-facing location is ideal to provide the optimal light conditions for healthy growth and vibrant foliage.

Temperature

Oregon Grape 'Corallina Compacta' is hardy and can withstand a broad range of temperatures. It can survive minimum temperatures down to about -20 degrees Fahrenheit and is comfortable with the heat up to 95 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal temperature range for this plant is between 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. However, it is quite adaptable and can tolerate colder and hotter temperatures for short periods without significant damage.

Pruning

Oregon Grape 'Corallina Compacta' requires pruning to maintain its shape, encourage bushier growth, and remove any dead or diseased branches. Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. It's often enough to prune every other year, or as needed to shape the plant or to remove any damaged stems. Cut back up to a third of the oldest stems to ground level to rejuvenate the plant if necessary.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Coral Beauty Barberry prefers well-draining soil with a mix of loam, peat, and coarse sand, ensuring good aeration and drainage. The best soil pH for this plant is slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0. A balanced mix will support healthy root growth and overall plant vigor.

Repotting

Coral Beauty Barberry is typically grown outdoors and does not require frequent repotting. In a garden setting, repotting is not applicable. However, if grown in containers, it may need repotting every 2 to 3 years, or when it outgrows its current pot.

Humidity & Misting

Coral Beauty Barberry is adaptable to a wide range of humidity levels and does not require specific humidity conditions. This plant is quite hardy and can thrive in the varying humidity levels typically found in its outdoor environment.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Not ideal for indoor growing; prefers outdoor conditions.

• Outdoor

  Plant in full sun to partial shade, well-draining soil, hardy and low maintenance.

• Hardiness zone

  6-9 USDA

Life cycle

Berberis × stenophylla 'Corallina Compacta', commonly known as the Coral Beauty Barberry, begins its life cycle when seeds or cuttings are planted, typically in well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade environments. Germination occurs with seeds, developing into seedlings, which, given the proper conditions, grow into young shrubs with a dense, compact habit. As the shrub matures, it produces small, spiny leaves and in spring, vibrant yellow flowers bloom, which are often followed by small, blue-black berries. The plant reaches maturity in a few years, and once fully grown, it maintains a size around 2 to 3 feet tall and wide, requiring minimal pruning due to its compact growth habit. Seasonally, leaves may turn to reddish hues in the fall before shedding, and the plant entering a dormant phase during winter. With proper care, the Coral Beauty Barberry can live and thrive for many years, successfully completing its life cycle repeatedly with seasons.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring

• The Oregon Grape 'Corallina Compacta', a hybrid of Berberis × stenophylla, is most commonly propagated by semi-hardwood cuttings. This method is done during the late summer, typically from late July through September, when the current season's growth has started to mature but is not yet fully hardened. To propagate, healthy, semi-hardwood stems are cut to lengths of 4 to 6 inches, and the lower leaves are removed. A rooting hormone may be applied to the cut end to encourage root growth. The cutting is then planted in a well-draining potting mix, kept moist, and placed in a location with indirect light. Roots usually develop within a few weeks to a couple of months, and once established, the new Oregon Grape can be transplanted into the garden.