Berberis thunbergii

RHS Plant Profile
Japanese barberry
Japanese barberry visionspictures.com
Plants for pollinators
Shrubs

Dense, rounded deciduous shrub about 1m tall, with spiny fresh green leaves, bluish-green beneath, to 3cm long, turning red and orange in autumn. Racemes of small yellow flowers, flushed red on sepals, are produced along the branches in mid spring, glossy bright scarlet berries follow

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

1-1.5 metres

Max Spread

1-1.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
5–10 years
Max Spread
1-1.5 metres
Max Height
1-1.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained or Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or North–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H7

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Berberidaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
Potentially harmful
Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets: Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
Genus
Berberis can be deciduous or evergreen shrubs with spiny shoots bearing simple, often spine-toothed leaves, and small yellow or orange flowers in axillary clusters or racemes, followed by small berries
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
Japan

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grows in any soil except waterlogged, in sun or part shade. A sunny position will encourage fruiting and autumn colour, see berberis cultivation for further advice

Propagation

Propagate by seed or propagate from softwood or semi-ripe cuttings in summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Coastal
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Low Maintenance
  • Hedging and screens
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

Pruning group 2; trim hedges after flowering

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids and berberis sawfly

Diseases

May be susceptible to powdery mildews and sometimes by honey fungus