The Morton Arboretum at Lisle, Illinois, 
near Chicago, testing garden for shrubs and 
especially hedges, writes: 
The Mentor Barberry (Berberis Mentor- 
ensis) has been much discussed of late, and 
after several years trial, we are thoroughly 
convinced of its hedge possibilities. A hy- 
brid of B. Julianae and B. Thunbergi par- 
entage, it is fortunate in possessing the 
former's erect habit and semi-evergreen, 
leathery dark green foliage combined with 
| 
| 
the latter’s hardiness and vigor. 
Morton Arboretum, Lisle, Ill. 















Che Best Barberry 
Drought Resistant Mentor Barberry 
No blight—no pruning. 
BERBERIS MENTORENSIS (Plant Patent No. 99.) 
It has very stiff, upright growing branches and quite formidable thorns. 
Its foliage is heavy and thick and of perfect color—a green as dark as the 
Japanese Yew. In hot and dry seasons or in localities where high tem- 
peratures go hand in hand with lack of rain, it never shows any signs of rust 
and discoloration of foliage no matter how hot or dry it may be. Ultimate 
height about five feet. In Ohio the leaves remain green until after the 
holidays. Plants growing in Kansas, Oklahoma, Utah, and the Southwest 
retain their foliage, and there Berberis Mentorensis is evergreen and con- 
sidered the finest evergreen plant for hedges. It is amazingly satisfactory 
growing around airways or close to dry foundation walls, and does an out- 
standing job in city gardens, either in single specimens or as a hedge. Its 
unusual ability to withstand heat and drought is nothing short of wonderful. 
During the hottest and driest weather there is never any sign of wilting or 
burning, much to the amazement of everyone. Always good and 
clean looking, upright in growth, easy upkeep (requires really 
no pruning), and its tenacious foliage, more than compensates 
for the lack of berries. We heartily recommend Berberis Men- 
torensis to you. For hedge use plant in single rows, 12 to 15 
inches apart for best effects. 
First—It is evergreen practically the year aground. Think what that 
means. 
Second—Its sturdy, erect growth carries a thick dark green foliage 
right down to the ground. Is never bare-legged. 
Third—When used for a hedge, its thorny, strong growth forms a 
formidable barrier to man or beast. 
Fourth—Needs no pruning. It is of erect growth which becomes 
dense when the plant is three or four years old. No upkeep! 
No pruning! 
Fifth—Combined in a foundation planting with evergreens, it pro- 
vides a beautiful and artistic contrast at very small expense and 
without elaborate preparation of soil. 
can’t make other broad-leaf evergreens, such as Azaleas and 
Rhododendrons, thrive in your soil, this new Barberry will. It is 
equally at home whether it is acid or alkaline soil. 
/ 
Ultimate Height—5 to 6 feet. 
Sixth—lIs not “choosy’’ about where it grows. No matter if you 







Young Plant of 
Mentorensis 
Barberry Only 
Two Years Old, 
Showing Upright 
Habit 

{154] 
Two-year-old Common Berberis Thunbergi 

