General: The common barberry is native to southeast Germany. As a medium-high shrub it grows here in sparse forests, on the edges of forests and as bushes. The leaves are fresh green and obovate. In autumn they turn bright orange-red. The barberry also has beautiful yellow flowers. These hang on the plant as grapes in May. Bright red fruits develop from this later.
Care as a bonsai: The barberry grows like a bush and therefore the shoots are not very branched, but grow relatively straight upwards. In order to shape the plants into a bonsai, the shoots have to be selected and shaped with wire. Due to the interesting leaves, autumn colors, flowers and fruits, the barberry has potential for a beautiful bonsai. The plant is otherwise very undemanding and tolerates heat and cold equally well.
