How do I prune a Berberis please ?

ERICS MUM

It’s an evergreen with bright orange flowers in early spring, Darwinii ?

its been neglected for a couple of years and ideally I’d like to
cut back into bare wood but don’t want to kill it.  Would it be better to take it back gradually over the next couple of years ?

thanks

Fairygirl

I was going to say - with secateurs and good gloves ....
They're fairly indestructible though, so you can do whatever you feel suits. You could remove the tallest branches/stems right back, and leave a 'base', or just remove complete branches right round. It depends on the size and shape etc, and the look you want to have. I prefer mine to look quite natural, so that's the sort of thing I would do.
Have you got a pic?

ERICS MUM

Thanks Fairygirl, sounds promising.  I’ll take a pic 

Bijdezee

Now is the time  .  They are best left unpruned but that's not always appropriate. If it's too big etc

Fairygirl is right, that's the best way to go about it. 

ERICS MUM

Thanks both of you, I’ll give it a go as suggested.

Lizzie27

@ERICS MUM , I suggest you wear tough gauntlets,  long thick sleeves, protective eye cover and hobnail boots. That berberis has got killer thorns that will go right through the sole of most shoes/boots if you are unfortunate enough to step on one. I speak from bitter experience having inherited a long berberis hedge that's unkillable. I hate it with a vengeance!

ERICS MUM

Lizzie27 said:

@ERICS MUM , I suggest you wear tough gauntlets,  long thick sleeves, protective eye cover and hobnail boots. That berberis has got killer thorns that will go right through the sole of most shoes/boots if you are unfortunate enough to step on one. I speak from bitter experience having inherited a long berberis hedge that's unkillable. I hate it with a vengeance!

This made me smile !  

Earlier this week I tackled an out of control pyracantha.  After the berberis I’m planning to hack down a mahonia.  Not to mention the patch of brambles sneaking under the fence from next door !

i definitely need all the protection you mention.  I also need to re-think the type of plants I buy !

flores88gloria88

I also have a barberry in my garden that is already old and does not grow, if I cut it, is it possible that it will bear fruit?

Fairygirl

This site is mostly UK based. I doubt any berberis bears fruit here, other than the usual berries

Silver surfer

flores88gloria88 said:

I also have a barberry in my garden that is already old and does not grow, if I cut it, is it possible that it will bear fruit?

Fairygirl said:

This site is mostly UK based. I doubt any berberis bears fruit here, other than the usual berries

Think it is just a difference in terminology. Same thing.
First you need the flowers followed by......
Berry = fruit.
Fruit  =  Berry.
Berberis, commonly known as barberry.

flores88gloria88  are you getting any flowers? 

https://www.google.com/search?q=berberis+fruit&client=firefox-b-d&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiC7dPov7XpAhVtQkEAHSTAAB8Q_AUoAXoECBoQAw&biw=1920&bih=938

Fairygirl

Yes - that's what I meant @Silver surfer
I know that barberry is berberis. I just thought the person meant something different.
I'm also slightly suspicious as there's a link in the signature