Key features
AwardsRHS Award of Garden Merit
Final size1m x 1m in 20 years
FoliageGlossy green leaves flush to red in winter (evergreen)
FlowersBright yellow clusters of small flowers in spring/summer
FruitOrnamental blue-black berries in autumn
PositionPart shade to full shade
Description
Berberis frikartii ‘Amstelveen’ is a compact, evergreen shrub that typically reaches an approximate height and spread of 1 metre. It features small, glossy, dark green leaves with a pale white/grey underside that flushes to red in winter, providing year-round interest. In late spring to early summer, it produces clusters of small, bright yellow flowers that add a splash of colour and attract pollinators. These are followed by blue-black berries in the autumn, which are enjoyed by birds and other wildlife.
Amstelveen Barberry thrives in moist but well-drained soils and prefers a position in full sun to partial shade. This hardy, low-maintenance shrub is an excellent choice for hedging, borders, or as a standalone specimen in gardens, offering visual appeal and ecological benefits throughout the year.
AKA: barberry ‘Amstelveen’, Berberis candidula ‘Amstelveen’, Berberis candidula Amstelv.
Planting Steps
1Preparation
- Pot-grown plants can be planted at any time of year, whereas bare roots need to be planted between November and March.
- Clear weeds and grass within a metre of the planting hole.
- Dig a hole as deep as the root mass and twice as wide.
- To help your plant establish more effectively, sprinkle Rootgrow in the hole.
2Planting
- Gently loosen the roots and place into the planting hole.
- Ensure the top of the plant’s compost is flush with the level of the surrounding soil and the graft union or collar of the tree is above ground level.
- Mix 50% of the original soil with 50% compost.
- Fill in the hole, firming the soil gently.
3Last Steps
- Water generously around the base of the plant.
- If you are planting either a single stem tree or mature standard tree, we recommend adding a staking kit and rabbit guard.
Aftercare Advice
Trees and shrubs require a good watering regime for a couple of years whilst they establish. Water well and regularly through spring and summer, increasing in hot or dry weather. If planting in autumn, you may only need to water a little. It is advisable to keep the area free of competing weeds and grass during this period.
For more detailed advice and video guides, please visit our Help & Advice section.
