Description
Large, bushy, fast growing, deciduous shrub (H 3-4 m, W 2,5-3 m). Branches open, strongly arching, dense, thorny. Leaves broadly ovate (4-5 cm), with entire margin, slightly glossy, dark brown-red to black-red; autumn colour bright orange-red to red. Flowers in numerous dense inflorescence, bright light yellow, strongly scented. Flowering period: May, outstandingly freely flowering. Fruits ovate (0,8 cm), fleshy, glossy, bright light red. Ripening time: October-November, fruits persist on the branches long into winter. Attracts butterflies, bees and birds. Undemanding shrub, it grows well in different soil-types, also in poor, dry, sandy soils; in distinctly sunny to slightly shady sites. Berberis × ottawensis is a cross between B. thunbergii and B. × vulgaris.