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Plants of the barberry family are used not only as fruit bushes, but also for decorating a summer cottage. Barberry Ruby Star and Golden Ruby are fast-growing shrubs whose fruits are practically unsuitable for food. However, these plants look impressive in the most modest garden - they have fairly bright leaves that can change colors depending on the time of year.
Planting and caring for Ruby Star and Golden Ruby barberries does not require special rules. Plants tolerate frosts and prolonged lack of moisture without pain. Suitable for planting in almost any region. Having become familiar with the nuances of choosing planting material and the rules for fertilizing, caring for plants will be a pleasure.
Description of barberry Ruby Star
Barberry Ruby Star is a deciduous shrub of the barberry family. This species was bred by Polish breeders in 2015. The Ruby Star variety is classified as ornamental; the fruits are practically not eaten.
Barberry Ruby Star grows up to 50 cm in height.The plant has a rounded crown with orange-red shoots. Over time, the branches may darken - this phenomenon depends on weather conditions. Ruby Star barberry has small thorns, so pruning of this species is done with protective gloves.
The leaves of the Ruby Star variety are small, oval-shaped, up to 3 cm in length. The top of each leaf is slightly rounded and the color is bright red.
Barberry flowers are yellow, collected in neat clusters. They have a rich sweet aroma. Flowering period - May, duration - 2 weeks.
The berries are red, oblong in shape. The maximum length of the fetus is 0.8 cm.
Barberry of this variety tolerates severe frosts well. Mature plants are able to withstand even the harshest winter.
Description of barberry Golden Ruby
Barberry Thunberg Golden Ruby grows as a compact, spherical shrub. The height of the plant can reach 40 cm. This variety is valued for its color variability, which depends on the time of year. In spring, the plant turns coral-orange in color. In summer, the leaves acquire a rich burgundy hue with a golden border. Closer to autumn, barberry becomes a brick shade. Flowers bloom in late April - early May.
The plant grows well in sunny areas and can tolerate prolonged drought. In the shade, Golden Ruby develops poorly and the color of the leaves becomes dull. Barberry of this variety is highly resistant to frost and is well adapted to urban conditions.
Planting and caring for barberry Ruby Star and Golden Ruby
These barberry varieties do not require a specific type of soil for planting.The bushes are not afraid of windy areas, they tolerate lack of watering well, but do not tolerate stagnant moisture in the soil. Ornamental plants love sunlight and can grow in slightly shaded areas.
Preparing seedlings and planting area
Before you start planting, you should choose the right place. The best option for planting ornamental bushes would be a sunny area, well protected from drafts.
Particular attention should be paid to the presence of groundwater in the soil. The area should not be swampy; it is better to plant it on a hill. Light, slightly loosened soil with neutral acidity is suitable for barberry. In acidic soils, liming should be done. And when planting in loamy soils or black soil, place drainage stones at the bottom of the planting hole.
Before planting, you should prepare a hole. The size of the planting hole depends on the size of the seedlings. If the bush is under 2 years of age, make a hole 30 cm deep. More mature bushes are planted in holes at least 60 cm deep. After preparation, the holes are filled with humus, sand and loose soil. All components are taken in equal proportions.
A few hours before planting, the root is placed in a growth stimulator. It is worth paying attention to ensure that the root system of the planting material is not damaged. Otherwise, the plant will not take root.
Landing rules
Planting of a young plant is carried out in the spring. It is very important to have time to plant the bush before the buds open and the soil warms up well.If it is not possible to plant a plant in the spring, you can do it closer to autumn. Planting is done during the period when the barberry leaves begin to fall.
Ruby Star barberry planting algorithm:
- Dig deep holes.
- Lay out drainage stones, add fertilizing: humus, sand, turf soil.
- Place the bush in the prepared hole and cover the root with soil.
- Water well and mulch.
At first, it is not recommended to water or fertilize barberry. Watering begins during drought, and fertilization begins 3 years after planting.
Watering and fertilizing
Watering is carried out as necessary. The shrub needs moisture during periods of prolonged drought. After watering, the soil around the bush is loosened and mulched with peat. Thus, moisture will remain in the soil longer, and the root system will receive more oxygen.
It is necessary to feed Thunberg barberry Ruby Star only for the 3rd year after planting. When the plant gets stronger, you can start adding nutrients:
- The first feeding is done with the addition of mullein.
- Before flowering begins, nutritious granular fertilizers are applied.
- In autumn, barberry is fed with potassium and superphosphate.
Trimming
Ruby Star barberry is pruned using protective gloves. Due to the huge number of thorns on the shoots, this activity is best carried out with long-handled scissors.
Since these barberry varieties are low-growing, the shrubs do not require special pruning. It is enough to perform annual preventive removal of branches. Dry and frozen shoots are subject to pruning.
This event can be completed in the fall. Closer to September, old shoots are cut off on the bushes. This pruning will be a good preventive measure against diseases and insect pests.
Preparing for winter
Despite the fact that the Ruby Star and Golden Ruby varieties tolerate low temperatures well, the shrubs need shelter. The purpose of this event is to protect the branches from freezing and excess moisture. Insulate barberry when the temperature drops to -6 degrees. To do this, you need to sprinkle the root collar with a 10 cm layer of soil. If the weather is snowy, you can sprinkle the bushes with snow. The upper part is covered with burlap.
Reproduction
Barberry Ruby Star and Golden Ruby are able to reproduce in almost any way. Planted shoots take root well and require virtually no special care.
Shrub propagation methods:
- cuttings. To perform this method, a young, strong cutting is separated and planted in a prepared flowerpot. When the Ruby Star barberry takes root, you can begin replanting it to a permanent location;
- by dividing the bush. Used for propagation of adult shrubs. Divide the bush into several parts and plant it in a prepared planting hole;
- green layering. To carry out the activity, it is necessary to identify a strong branch and press it firmly to the ground, water it well. Soon the branch will take root and take root;
- seeds. To propagate using this method, seeds are collected in the fall and dried. The next year they plant. However, propagation by this method is more troublesome; the bush takes a long time to develop.
For any of the propagation methods, mature shrubs aged 4-5 years are best suited.
Diseases and pests
Barberry Ruby Star has average susceptibility to diseases and insects. The shrub is susceptible to damage by barberry aphids, sawflies, and codling moths. Special means help in the fight against these pests. However, in order to prevent damage to ornamental bushes, it is important to perform preventive pruning of shoots and apply nutritional supplements once every few years.
Conclusion
Barberry Ruby Star and Golden Ruby are ornamental shrubs that are widely used to decorate a garden or local area. By choosing the right seedling and planting it in accordance with all recommendations, you can avoid mistakes and hassle in care. By planting Ruby Star barberry in a sunny corner of the site, you can observe the change in the bright color of the ornamental bushes.
