Culture
Best grown in average to moist, well-draining soils in full sun to part shade. Can tolerate full sun, but foliage may scorch. This relatively obscure cultivar is known to be hardy from Zones 7-10, but should be protected from cold, drying, winter winds. Pruning is not required, but older stems can be cut out in late winter to renovate a mature plant.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Berberis is a genus of about 450 species of evergreen or deciduous shrubs from all parts of the North Hemisphere as well as North and tropical Africa and South America.
Genus name comes from the Latinized form of the Arabian name for the fruit.
'Cally Rose' is a cultivar of somewhat obscure parentage. It is listed by various sources as a selection of either Berberis triacanthophora or B. sanguinea. Regardless of its origin, this cultivar is characterized by its adaptability and little required maintenance. Reaching up to 5' tall with a 6' spread, 'Cally Rose' is a dense, medium to large evergreen shrub with an informal habit. The narrow, lance-shaped, glossy grey-green foliage has small spines along its margins. The pendulous flowers are pink and white bi-colored and hang in clusters from the leaf axils. The flowers are followed by dark, blue-black, berry-like fruits. 'Cally Rose' is named for Cally Gardens located in southwestern Scotland, and was collected by the late Michael Wickenden (1955-2016).
Problems
No serious insect or disease problems. Like most barberries, this plant tends to trap wind-blown litter.
Powdery mildew has been reported as a problem for this cultivar.
Uses
Informal hedge, barrier plant, foundation plant, shrub border.