Berberis thunbergii f. atropurpurea 'Red Chief'

Spring - late · Outdoors

Feed young plants with slow release fertiliser

Spread a slow release fertiliser around the base of the plant to the edge of the foliage spread, so that it can feed the roots. It is helpful for this to be applied for several years.

This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost until the plant becomes well established.

Spring-Autumn · Outdoors

Water during dry periods

For plants in the ground, when there has been little or no rain for a period of 7-10 days and the soil is dry, give it a deep watering and repeat weekly until there is a downpour of rain. Check plants in pots more frequently, especially in hot weather.

Spring - early-mid · Planting

Prune after flowering

When the plant has flowered, cut all the flowered shoots back to healthy buds that are lower on the stems. When the plant is established, take out a quarter of the oldest branches to the ground at this time.

Outdoor planting · Planting

Add root growth stimulant to the planting hole

Mycorrhizal fungi helps roots establish quickly, so they absorb water and nutrients more efficiently. It comes as a powder, granule or gel. Add to the planting hole or container, and to the plant's rootball before planting in the hole. For "bareroot" plants use a gel.

Hedges · Planting

Suitable for creating a prickly hedge

This plant has thorns, so makes a good defensive barrier. Weeding around plants with prickly foliage can be painful without suitable gloves and clothing for protection.

Hedges · Planting

Unsuitable for a "tidy hedge"

This hedge looks untidy during the winter months. It would be unwise to choose this as a hedging plant if everything is required to be strictly ordered.