Digging for answers on the growing pains of barberry bushes

Q

In the summer of 2020, we planted a row of barberry bushes in our backyard, which faces west, because we wanted something low maintenance to eventually help cover up our deck skirting. Since that time the bushes have not died but they have not grown an inch. We had them done professionally as part of the landscaping of the backyard in our new build home, and the landscapers claimed to have installed 30 cm of good dirt, but who knows if they actually did. Do you think we should pull those out and start with either new plants, or another variety?

A

This question came from a fellow Edmonton Journal writer and I have to admit the opening line of the email cracked me up. It said, “You are probably like my son the doctor who always has people asking him about their rashes and sore backs.”

The social gatherings I go to often end up being gardening Q&AS but those events, like the questions I receive from you my readers, are always appreciated and enjoyed.

It is possible that the variety of Barberry is Crimson Pygmy, which is a dwarf that grows from 30 to 60 cm in height. The plants look healthy enough from your photo to make me think this is a possibility. I also see new growth on some of the plants but the mulch might be too close to the base of the plants. Some plants don't like to have mulch too close due to the lack of air circulation. I might pull back the mulch a bit to let the roots breathe.

I am not suspicious of the soil as the plants look healthy but I would be if they turn out not to be dwarfs. Thirty centimetres of new soil should be enough to keep them happy if the landscapers were true to their word.

If it were me I would not replace the plants since they appear to be in good health.

They really have only had one full season to grow as well. Be patient but see if you can find out if the landscapers used dwarfs. They may say no but I have had circumstances where I ordered full-size plants and the nursery accidentally substituted dwarfs.

A late reply from the writer tells me that the plants were indeed dwarfs and they were grateful to not have pulled them out. My job is done here!

Q

Can you please tell me how I can take cuttings from a cotoneaster? I would like to start a long hedge but I need so many plants the cost would be prohibitive. I'm hoping to just take cuttings.

A

I would recommend using the softwood method. These cuttings are taken in spring from fast-growing stem tips. Take the cuttings early in the morning selecting healthy, pliable, single-stemmed shoots. Prepare these cuttings as soon as possible after collection. Trim the cuttings to eight to 10 cm making a straight cut just below a node. Remove the lower leaves. An absolute must is to use a very sharp knife to make this cut.

The cuttings' soil mixture should be a mix of equal parts peat moss and either perlite or sharp sand. Insert the cuttings into the soil mix and water them in. Insert the cuttings into the mix, ensuring that the leaves do not touch each other. If you want to ensure your success rate, the use of a rooting hormone is a good idea. You can find rooting powder in most garden centres. Make sure you select the one for softwood cuttings as there are different types.

Softwood cuttings wilt quickly if not kept in a humid environment. You can cover the pots or flats with clear plastic and keep them out of direct sunlight. Air them out every few days for good air circulation or leave one side of the cover open slightly. Keep them at a temperature of 18-21 C.

Once the cuttings have rooted, harden them off. Remove the rooted cuttings from the pot or flat carefully teasing them apart. Transplant these into individual pots firming them in. Water well and keep them in a shaded spot until well established.

Every week, Growing Things Outdoors runs online at edmontonjournal.com or, if you prefer an epaper format, epaper.edmontonjournal.com

Learn more by emailing your questions to filipskigerald@gmail.com, reading past columns at or my book Just Ask Jerry. You can also follow me on Twitter @justaskjerry01.