Berberis x ottawensis 'Superba' is an ornamental barberry valued for its coloured foliage and its vigour.

Characteristics
A medium to large deciduous shrub reaching about 2-3 m in height and width, upright and branching, with thorny, well spaced stems forming a dense, rounded crown. The leaves are larger than in Berberis thunbergii, deep purple-red with a blue bloom, turning brilliant red in autumn. Yellow flowers flushed red open in hanging clusters in spring and are followed by abundant red berries.

Growing and care
Full sun for the best colour, in any well drained soil; extremely hardy, drought tolerant and tolerant of urban conditions. Prune in late winter, shortening the oldest stems to keep the shrub furnished at the base.

Uses
Large defensive hedges and screens, background planting in shrub borders, colour contrast against green foliage and mass planting on banks.