Contents
Description
Berberis Ottawensis Superba, also known as Ottawa Barberry, is an ornamental shrub native to North America. This deciduous plant belongs to the Berberidaceae family and is highly valued for its beautiful foliage and bright yellow flowers that bloom in late spring. It can grow up to 6-8 feet tall and wide and has a moderate growth rate.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Kingdom | Phylum | Class | Order | Family | Genus ||——–|———|——–|——-|——-|——–|——-|| Eukarya | Plantae | Spermatophyta | Magnoliopsida | Ranunculales | Berberidaceae | Berberis |
Appearance
The leaves of Berberis Ottawensis Superba are oval-shaped, glossy, and dark green in color. In the fall, they turn to a vibrant purple-red shade. The branches are thorny and form a dense, bushy habit. The bright yellow flowers are arranged in clusters and bloom for several weeks in late spring. The plant also produces small, dark blue berries that attract birds in the fall.
Care Guide
Berberis Ottawensis Superba is a relatively low-maintenance plant. It prefers moist, well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including clay, loam, and sandy soils. The plant is hardy to USDA zones 4-8.Water: Water the plant regularly during the growing season, but avoid overwatering.Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once a year in the spring using a balanced, slow-release fertilizer.Soil: The plant prefers slightly acidic soil with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5.Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun to partial shade.Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy to USDA zones 4-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Berberis Ottawensis Superba is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can sometimes be affected by aphids, spider mites, and scale insects. These can be controlled with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil. The plant can also be susceptible to rust and powdery mildew, which can be treated with a fungicide.
Habitat
Berberis Ottawensis Superba is native to North America and can be found in a variety of habitats, including woodlands, meadows, and along riverbanks. It prefers moist soils but can also tolerate dry conditions.
Question and Answer
Q: How often should I water Berberis Ottawensis Superba?
A: Water the plant regularly during the growing season, but avoid overwatering.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Berberis Ottawensis Superba?
A: The plant is hardy to USDA zones 4-8.
Q: What pests and diseases can affect Berberis Ottawensis Superba?
A: The plant can be affected by aphids, spider mites, scale insects, rust, and powdery mildew.
Q: Does Berberis Ottawensis Superba attract birds?
A: Yes, the plant produces small, dark blue berries that attract birds in the fall.
Related Plants
– Berberis Thunbergii ‘Aurea’- Berberis Darwinii- Berberis Vulgaris- Berberis Julianae
References
– Missouri Botanical Garden. (n.d.). Berberis Ottawensis Superba. Retrieved from http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c185- University of Connecticut Plant Database. (n.d.). Berberis Ottawensis Superba. Retrieved from http://hort.uconn.edu/detail.php?pid=55- NC State Extension. (n.d.). Berberis Ottawensis Superba. Retrieved from https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/all/berberis-ottawensis-superba/
