Berberis buxifolia Nana - Barberry

The Berberis buxifolia 'Nana' is a variety of evergreen barberry that makes an excellent alternative to boxwood, even in limestone and fairly dry soil. It is a small, sparsely thorny bush that forms a dense, rounded cushion adorned with small, leathery, glossy leaves that resemble those of boxwood. Resistant to boxwood moth, this variety also offers the advantage of beautiful yellow-orange spring flowering, followed by a few small purplish fruits in autumn. It is a widely used plant on terraces and in small gardens.

Originating from southern Argentina and Chile, Berberis buxifolia or Boxleaf Barberry is a particularly robust evergreen bush that is not afraid of cold or limestone soil. It belongs to the Berberidaceae family. The 'Nana' cultivar (Synonym Berberis microphylla 'Pygmaea'), widely cultivated, is a famous dwarf form with slow growth. Slightly more wide than it is tall, this well-shaped, very dense bush, measures approximately 50 cm (19.7 in) in height and 55 cm (21.7 in) in width (up to 60 cm (23.6 in) in height and 70 cm (27.6 in) in width after many years). It is characterized by its rounded leaves with smooth edges, rarely ending in a small thorn, 2 cm (0.8 in) long, shiny, and fairly dark green. Abundant spring flowering, in the form of small solitary bells, is followed by the production of small purple-violet berries, although this is quite rare.

Due to its small size, persistent growth, and attractive cushion-like habit, Berberis buxifolia 'Nana' is ideal for rockeries, slopes, borders, or even containers on a terrace. It is a worthy replacement for boxwood and enhances neighboring plants. It pairs beautifully with Mexican fleabane (Erigeron karvinskianus) or phlox.