Berberis orange rocket is a stunning plant that is perfect for adding a splash of color to any garden. This deciduous shrub has beautiful, bright orange flowers that bloom in the spring and summer. The flowers are followed by small, orange berries that are loved by birds. The leaves of the berberis orange rocket are dark green and have a glossy texture.
Related plant:
Berberis Thunbergii Maria
Related plant:
Berberis Atropurpurea
About soil condition, berberis orange rocket prefers well-drained soil. If the soil is too dense, it will result in waterlogged condition and the plant may die. So, it is ideal to plant this shrub in sandy to loamy soil which is rich in organic matter.
Just like other Berberis, the Orange Rocket will do best in a sunny spot. If you live in a colder climate, make sure to choose a south-facing location for your plant. BerberisOrange Rocket can handle partial sun, but it will produce fewer flowers. This deciduous shrub will appreciate some afternoon shade in hot summer climates.
The temperature condition for Berberis Orange Rocket is cool to cold. They need a period of cold dormancy in order to flower and produce fruit properly. The plants can tolerate some frost, but they may not flower if the temperatures are too warm.
Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 35-40%. If the humidity levels are too low, the leaves may start to turn brown and drop off. If the humidity levels are too high, the leaves may start to yellow and drop off.
Mentioning fertilizer, this family of plant is known to be heavy feeders. In order to keep your Berberis Orange Rocket healthy and looking its best, you'll need to fertilize it on a regular basis. A good rule of thumb is to apply a balanced fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season. If you're using a liquid fertilizer, you can simply add it to your watering can and apply it to the roots of the plant.
Pruning is an important part of keeping your Berberis Orange Rocket healthy and looking its best. Pruning not only encourages new growth, but it also helps to keep the plant tidy and control its size. The best time to prune your Berberis Orange Rocket is in early spring, before new growth begins.
Propagation is best done in late winter or early spring, by taking hardwood cuttings. Cuttings should be taken from young, non-flowering shoots, and should be around 10-15cm in length. Cut just below a leaf node, and remove any leaves from the lower half of the cutting. Dip the cut end of the cutting in hormone rooting powder, and then plant in a pot filled with moist, well-drained seed and cutting compost. Place the pot in a cold frame or greenhouse, and keep the compost moist. The cuttings should root within 4-8 weeks. Once they have rooted, they can be transplanted into 9cm pots filled with John Innes No.2 compost. Keep the plants in the pots for their first winter, and then plant out in late spring or early summer.
Usually, the plant growth rate is determined by the plant's age, genetics, and its environment. However, there are a few ways to encourage faster growth in this plant. Fertilizing the plant regularly with a high-nitrogen fertilizer will help it to grow more quickly. Additionally, pruning the plant regularly will help to encourage new growth.
Common problems for this kind of plant are pests and diseases. Pests include aphids, mites, and scale. Diseases include root rot, powdery mildew, and leaf spot. These problems can be controlled with the use of pesticides and fungicides.
Source:
JC Raulston Arboretum - Photographs of Berberis thunbergii 'Orange Rocket'
Berberis koreana habit: UIPLANTS - University of Illinois Urbana
Berberis thunberbii ' Atropurpurea' (Japanese Barberry, Red rocket)