Barberry 'Apricot Queen'

'Apricot Queen' is an eye-catching, vigorous evergreen shrub that originated as a natural hybrid. It is particularly valued in the UK for its brilliant displays of apricot-orange flowers that hang in dense clusters in mid to late spring. The leaves are small, dark, glossy green, and spine-tipped, providing an excellent defensive barrier if planted as a hedge. The shrub has an arching habit and can reach up to 3 metres in height if left unpruned. It is hardy to H5 and performs best in a sunny or partially shaded spot. Like most Berberis, it is not fussy about soil type, as long as it is well-drained. In autumn, it often produces small blue-black berries. It is a tough, versatile plant that can be used as a specimen or as part of a prickly, security-conscious boundary. Annual pruning after flowering helps to maintain a dense shape and control its size.

Sun: Full sun to partial shade.

Soil: Most well-drained soils.

Hardiness: H5 — down to −15°C.

Flowering: Apr, May.