Imagine discovering the perfect garden shrub, singing its praises on the radio, only to find out it's practically impossible to buy! That's precisely the predicament I've found myself in with Berberis ‘Georgei’. This autumn, it's been the undisputed star of the garden, but here's the kicker: it seems commercially unavailable.
My colleague, Ian Roofe, and I have scoured nurseries and online catalogs to no avail. Therefore, we've reluctantly concluded that our only recourse is to propagate it ourselves from the existing plants in the garden. This is no small task, but the sheer beauty of this shrub makes it a mission worth undertaking.
Berberis ‘Georgei’ eventually reaches a height of around 2.5 meters – that's a little over eight feet for those of us who still think in 'old money'. But here's the patience-testing part: it's a slow grower, taking approximately twenty years to reach its full majestic stature. Think of it as a long-term investment in garden beauty!
Its charm lies in its graceful, semi-weeping form. It's a deciduous shrub, meaning it loses its leaves in the fall, with arching branches adorned with elliptical, mid-green leaves. In spring, it produces delicate, small bunches of yellow flowers on vibrant red stalks. But the real show begins in autumn. The leaves transform into a dazzling display of vivid yellows and oranges, lasting for weeks. And this is the part most people miss: it’s the pendent bunches of coral-red fruits that truly steal the show, captivating visitors with their rich color and delightful form.
Just a few weeks ago, I was a guest on Thordis Fridriksson’s ‘Garden Party’ on BBC Local Radio. A listener called in, seeking recommendations for a shrub that would be resistant to pests and offer a long season of visual interest. Without hesitation, my mind jumped to my Berberis, which has thrived here for at least five years. I extolled its numerous virtues, only to later discover its near-impossibility to purchase! So, to that listener, I offer my sincere apologies.
However, all is not lost! Ian and I are committed to propagating this remarkable shrub. We'll pool our horticultural skills and resources to make it happen. But here's where it gets controversial... I just hope Berberis ‘Georgei’ doesn't prove as difficult to propagate as Berberis ‘Temolaica’. That variety is an absolute nightmare to root from semi-ripe cuttings – the traditional method for propagating Berberis. I’m bracing myself for a challenge!
Our propagation strategy will be multifaceted. I plan to take hardwood cuttings immediately, followed by softwood cuttings once new growth emerges in 2026. And, of course, I'll attempt semi-ripe cuttings with a heel in late June or early July. Wish us luck; we'll need it!
Now, for a completely different recommendation – something a little easier to obtain! Last year, Ian cultivated a Cleome mixture called 'Senorita' from Kernock Park Plants. It featured a beautiful rosy-pink color palette. I usually shy away from recommending dwarf plants, but these were exceptional. They maintained a uniform height of around 45 to 60 cm (roughly 18 to 24 inches), and they performed admirably throughout a particularly hot and challenging summer. Definitely something to consider for your 2026 garden planning. What are your go-to plants for hot summers? Do you think dwarf varieties get a bad rap, or are there specific instances where they truly shine? Let me know your thoughts in the comments!
