How to Grow Berberis Concorde - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2025

Berberis concorde is a beautiful, hardy shrub that blooms early in the season with large clusters of pink flowers. The foliage is dark green and the fruit is a deep blue. The plant is very tolerant of poor soil and drought.

How to Grow Berberis Concorde - Plant Care & Tips

Also known as

  • Barberry
  • Barberry bush
  • Mountain mahogany
  • Quince
  • Cowslip

Common Knowledge

  • Berberis concorde is a deciduous shrub that is native to North America.
  • It grows to a height of 6-8 feet and has a spread of 4-6 feet.
  • The leaves are ovate to elliptical in shape and are arranged in an alternate pattern on the stem.
  • They are dark green in color with a yellowish-green midvein.
  • The flowers are yellow and appear in clusters in early summer.
  • The fruit is a small, blue-black berry that ripens in late summer.
  • Berberis concorde is tolerant of a variety of soil types and prefers full sun to partial shade.
  • It is an easy plant to grow and is relatively resistant to pests and diseases.
  • Berberis concorde can be used in a variety of landscaping applications including hedges, borders, and foundation plantings.
  • It is also commonly used as an accent or specimen plant.

Related plant:
Berberis Thunbergii Maria

Growing Steps

  1. For berberis concorde, first step is to choose a sunny spot in your garden that has well-draining soil.
  2. Prepare the planting bed by using a spade or garden fork to loosen the soil to a depth of about 12 inches (30 cm).
  3. Add some organic matter to the soil if needed.
  4. Dig a hole that is twice the width and depth of the plant’s root ball.
  5. Center the plant in the hole and backfill with soil, tamping it down as you go.
  6. Water the plant well.
  7. Apply a layer of mulch around the plant, being sure to keep it away from the stem.
  8. Water the plant regularly, especially during the first growing season.
  9. Fertilize the plant in early spring and mid-summer.
  10. Enjoy the beauty of your berberis concorde plant!

Related plant:
Berberis Thunbergii

Soil Condition

About soil condition, the berberis concorde grows in various soil conditions but prefer well-drained, neutral to alkaline soil. It can tolerate different pH levels and is not very demanding when it comes to nutrients. It can grow in shady or sunny locations but does best in full sun.

Light requirement

Like the other plants, the Berberis concorde requires sunlight in order to grow. However, this plant is unique in that it can also tolerate shade. This makes it a versatile plant that can be grown in a variety of locations. The Berberis concorde is a fast-growing plant, so it is ideal for those who want to add a bit of color to their garden without having to wait too long.

Ideal Temperature

The temperature condition for Berberis concorde is between 30-50 degrees F. They can also tolerate short periods of time outside of this range, but it is not ideal. If the plant is too cold, it will not produce as much fruit. If the plant is too hot, the fruit will not be as sweet.

Humidity Requirement

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is around 40%. If the humidity is too low, the plant will become dry and may drop its leaves. If the humidity is too high, the plant may become susceptible to fungal diseases.

Fertilizer Requirement

For the fertilizer, this kind of plant need high nitrogen, so you can use manure or chemical fertilizer. The important thing is not to let the plant starve for nitrogen. For the roots, they are quite sensitive to disturbance, so it's best to handle them with care.

Plant Pruning

Pruning Berberis concorde is a straight forward process that if done correctly will result in a healthier plant. First, identify the area that you would like to focus on. Second, using a sharp set of shears, make a clean cut at a 45-degree angle about 1/4 inch above a node. Finally, remove any dead or damaged branches.

About Propagating

Propagation is by seed, cuttings or division. Sow seed in spring in a cold frame. When large enough to handle, transplant the seedlings into 7.5cm (3in) pots. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 7.5-10cm (3-4in) long, taken in late summer or autumn, root readily if placed in a sandy soil in a shady position outdoors. Division can be carried out in spring.

Growth Speed

Usually, the plant growth rate is in the spring and summer. However, the plant can grow throughout the year if conditions are favorable. The average berberis concorde growth rate is about 1 meter per year. However, the plant has been known to grow up to 3 meters in a single year.

Common Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant plants are problems with the root system and crown rot. These problems can be caused by too much water, poor drainage, or overwintering in wet conditions. Sometimes, the plant can be saved by removing the affected parts and replanting in well-drained soil.

Basics of Growing

  • Do not forget to water your plants regularly. Berberis concorde is a drought-tolerant plant, but it still needs regular watering, especially during the hot summer months.
  • Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plant to help retain moisture.
  • Fertilize the plant once a year with a balanced fertilizer.
  • Prune the plant regularly to encourage new growth and maintain its shape.
  • Place the plant in an area that receives full sun for best results.
  • Berberis concorde is a low-maintenance plant, but it still needs to be protected from extreme weather conditions.
  • Deer and rabbits tend to avoid this plant, so there is no need to worry about them damaging your concorde.
  • This plant is resistant to most pests and diseases, but it can be susceptible to powdery mildew if the conditions are right.
  • Berber

Similar Plants

  • Berberis
  • Berberis /?b??rb?r?s/[1][2] is a large genus of deciduous and evergreen shrubs from 1–5 m (3–14 ft) tall, found throughout the temperate and subtropical regions of the world. There are about 500 species[3] in the genus, including many well-known garden shrubs such as Berberis thunbergii and Berberis x ottawensis. The scientific name refers to Arabic: ?????, barbara, meaning foreign, and berberis meaning Berber, i.e. North African, hence "foreign North African plant". It has been confused in the past with Mahonia, a related genus in the grape family, Berberidaceae, but most recent classifications place it in the separate family, Berberidaceae. It is most closely related to

Source:
JC Raulston Arboretum - Our Plants - Berberis ×ottawensis 'Concorde'
Berberis vulgaris - Southern Cross University - SCU
Admissions - Concorde

Richelle Author Photo
Reviewed & Published by Richelle
Submitted by our contributor
Shrubs Category