Magellan Barberry Berberis buxifolia 'Nana'

Dwarf Magellan Barberry 'Nana' is a dwarf cultivar of Berberis buxifolia, an evergreen low growing thorny shrub in the barberry family. It is typically found in nature on coastal scrub, forest margins, clearings and moister areas in grass. The dwarf 'Nana' is the most common of this species and is very free flowering but produced little or no fruit. This plant can be pruned back severely and resprout from the base. Drought tolerant, this slow-growing plant has a tiering habit and cane-like growth with tendency to sucker and form colonies.

It is best planted in small groups in shade or woodland gardens. It also does well as a specimen or in foundation or shrub borders. It does not like highly alkaline soils and will become chlorotic in high pH soils and desiccating winds. This plant has known pest problems.

Insects, Diseases and Other Plant Problems: Leaf spots, rust, and leaf scorch from sun/wind.  Chlorosis on high pH soils; leaves can look burned but stems will regrow leaves next spring.

VIDEO created by Andy Pulte for “Landscape Plant Identification, Taxonomy and Morphology” a plant identification course offered by the Department of Plant Sciences, University of Tennessee.