ABSTRACT
Berberis are a large genus of deciduous and evergreen shrubs. Also included in this account are the closely related Mahonia, comprising only evergreen species. Indications are that M. fremontii and M trifoliolata ‘Glauca’ perform well for many years on Berberis rootstocks. To what extent scion rooting has taken place is uncertain; it seems likely that often scion rooting is well developed, and in many examples may well have replaced the original rootstock. Apical grafts are normal; short tongue veneers are favoured, but splice may also be used. For the more demanding Mahonias, the advantages of long tongue apical or side veneer incorporating a stimulant bud should not be overlooked. Deciduous Berberis scions may be cold-stored, securely packed in polythene bags for some weeks at temperatures close to freezing. Evergreen scions should be grafted while still fresh but will be useable for a period if cold stored.
