Companion Plants for Barberry Shrubs: Enhance Your Garden’s Beauty and Health

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Barberry shrubs are a popular garden choice for their attractive foliage and low maintenance requirements. They are often used as a hedge, border or even as a standalone feature in the garden. However, did you know that planting companion plants for barberry shrubs can enhance their growth and beauty? In this article, we will explore the best companion plants for barberry shrubs and how they can benefit your garden.

Companion Plants for Barberry Shrubs

1. Roses

Roses make great companions for barberry shrubs due to their contrasting colors and textures. While barberry shrubs have spiky leaves and small yellow flowers, roses have soft petals in various colors. Moreover, roses also attract pollinators and beneficial insects that can help control pests on both plants. Planting roses near barberry shrubs can also add an extra layer of protection from deer and rabbits.

How to plant:

Plant roses 2-3 feet away from the barberry shrubs, in a spot where they receive 6-8 hours of direct sunlight. Make sure to give them well-draining soil and enough water during the growing season.

2. Boxwood

Boxwood is another great option to plant next to barberry shrubs due to their similar growth habits and maintenance requirements. Both plants prefer well-drained soil and partial shade, making them perfect companions for each other. Additionally, boxwoods can provide a year-round green backdrop to the colorful barberry shrubs.

How to plant:

Plant boxwoods around the barberry shrubs in a way that creates a border or a hedge. Make sure to give them enough space to grow and prune them regularly to maintain their shape.

3. Coneflowers

Coneflowers are a great choice for companion planting with barberry shrubs due to their bright colors and drought tolerance. They attract pollinators and beneficial insects and can also help prevent soil erosion. Planting coneflowers near barberry shrubs can create a beautiful and sustainable garden.

How to plant:

Plant coneflowers 1-2 feet away from the barberry shrubs, in well-draining soil and full sun. Water them regularly during the first growing season and then only when the soil is dry.

4. Daylilies

Daylilies are another attractive option for companion planting with barberry shrubs. They have colorful flowers that can complement the yellow barberry flowers and they also have long blooming periods. Moreover, daylilies have deep roots that can help improve soil structure and drainage.

How to plant:

Plant daylilies 1-2 feet away from the barberry shrubs, in well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. Water them regularly during the first growing season and then only when the soil is dry.

5. Lavender

Lavender is a fragrant and colorful plant that can be a perfect companion for barberry shrubs. It attracts beneficial insects and repels pests such as moths and fleas. Lavender can also add a calming effect to your garden and its fragrance can make it more enjoyable.

How to plant:

Plant lavender 2-3 feet away from the barberry shrubs, in well-draining soil and full sun. Water them regularly during the first growing season and then only when the soil is dry.

6. Salvia

Salvia is another plant that can complement barberry shrubs due to its similar growth habit and low maintenance requirements. Salvia has colorful flowers that can attract pollinators and beneficial insects while also providing a visual appeal to your garden.

How to plant:

Plant salvia 1-2 feet away from the barberry shrubs, in well-drained soil and full sun. Water them regularly during the first growing season and then only when the soil is dry.

7. Sedum

Sedum is a succulent plant that can be a great companion for barberry shrubs due to its drought tolerance and low maintenance requirements. It has colorful foliage that can add an interesting texture and contrast to the garden.

How to plant:

Plant sedum around the barberry shrubs in well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade. Water them regularly during the first growing season and then only when the soil is dry.

8. Yarrow

Yarrow is a hardy perennial plant that can grow well with barberry shrubs due to its adaptability and drought tolerance. It has colorful flowers that can attract pollinators and beneficial insects while also adding a naturalistic look to the garden.

How to plant:

Plant yarrow 1-2 feet away from the barberry shrubs, in well-drained soil and full sun. Water them regularly during the first growing season and then only when the soil is dry.

9. Hosta

Hostas are shade-loving plants that can provide a contrasting beauty to barberry shrubs. They have attractive foliage and can grow well in the same soil conditions as barberry shrubs. Planting hostas near barberry shrubs can create a beautiful and diverse garden.

How to plant:

Plant hostas around the barberry shrubs in partial to full shade, in moist and well-drained soil. Water them regularly during the first growing season and then only when the soil is dry.

10. Peonies

Peonies are another great option for companion planting with barberry shrubs. They have colorful and fragrant flowers that can add a romantic touch to your garden. Moreover, peonies can also attract pollinators and beneficial insects.

How to plant:

Plant peonies 2-3 feet away from the barberry shrubs, in well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. Water them regularly during the first growing season and then only when the soil is dry.

11. Geraniums

Geraniums are low maintenance plants that can complement barberry shrubs due to their contrasting colors and textures. They have colorful flowers that can bloom throughout the growing season and can attract pollinators and beneficial insects.

How to plant:

Plant geraniums 1-2 feet away from the barberry shrubs, in well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. Water them regularly during the first growing season and then only when the soil is dry.

12. Alliums

Alliums are ornamental onion plants that can provide a unique and interesting look to your garden. They have tall stalks with spherical flowers that can bloom in various colors. Additionally, alliums can repel pests such as aphids and slugs.

How to plant:

Plant alliums 1-2 feet away from the barberry shrubs, in well-drained soil and full sun. Water them regularly during the first growing season and then only when the soil is dry.

13. Black-eyed Susans

Black-eyed Susans are native wildflowers that can be a great choice for companion planting with barberry shrubs. They have bright yellow flowers that can attract pollinators and beneficial insects while also providing a naturalistic look to your garden.

How to plant:

Plant black-eyed Susans 1-2 feet away from the barberry shrubs, in well-drained soil and full sun. Water them regularly during the first growing season and then only when the soil is dry.

14. Daffodils

Daffodils are early blooming bulbs that can provide a burst of color to your garden before the barberry shrubs to bloom. They have trumpet-shaped flowers that can bloom in various colors and can also repel pests such as moles and voles.

How to plant:

Plant daffodils around the barberry shrubs in well-drained soil and partial to full sun. Water them regularly during the first growing season and then only when the soil is dry.

15. Ferns

Ferns are shade-loving plants that can provide a contrasting beauty to barberry shrubs. They have attractive foliage and can grow well in the same soil conditions as barberry shrubs. Planting ferns near barberry shrubs can create a beautiful and diverse garden.

How to plant:

Plant ferns around the barberry shrubs in partial to full shade, in moist and well-drained soil. Water them regularly during the first growing season and then only when the soil is dry.


Companion planting with barberry shrubs can enhance your garden’s beauty and health. By choosing the right companion plants, you can create a sustainable and diverse garden that attracts pollinators and beneficial insects while also repelling pests. Remember to choose plants that have similar growth habits and maintenance requirements and give them enough space to grow.

FAQs

Q1. Can I plant vegetables near barberry shrubs?

A1. It is not recommended to plant vegetables near barberry shrubs as they have different nutrient requirements and can attract pests such as aphids and spider mites.

Q2. How often should I water the companion plants?

A2. Watering requirements depend on the specific plant and the weather conditions. Generally, it is recommended to water the plants regularly during the first growing season and then only when the soil is dry.

Q3. Can I plant annuals with barberry shrubs?

A3. Yes, you can plant annuals with barberry shrubs as long as they have similar growth habits and maintenance requirements.

Q4. What are some other benefits of companion planting?

A4. Companion planting can help improve soil structure, prevent soil erosion, and attract pollinators and beneficial insects while repelling pests.

Q5. What are some common pests that can affect barberry shrubs?

A5. Some common pests that can affect barberry shrubs include aphids, spider mites, and Japanese beetles.

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