Overview
Berberis thunbergii 'Gold Ring' is a bushy, spiny deciduous shrub in the genus Berberis, part of the Berberidaceae family, with deciduous, evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 2.0 m tall. Berberis thunbergii 'Gold Ring' grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include borders, hedging and specimen plant. It is native to Japan and eastern Asia.
About
Berberis thunbergii, the Japanese barberry, Thunberg's barberry, or red barberry, is a species of flowering plant in the barberry family Berberidaceae, native to Japan and eastern Asia, though widely naturalized in China and North America, where it has become a problematic invasive in many places, leading to declines in species diversity, increased tick habitat, and soil changes. Growing to 1 m tall by 2.5 m broad, it is a small deciduous shrub with green leaves turning red in the autumn, brilliant red fruits in autumn and pale yellow flowers in spring.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Berberis thunbergii
About the genus
Berberis, commonly known as barberry, is a large genus of deciduous and evergreen shrubs from 1–5 m tall, found throughout temperate and subtropical regions of the world. Species diversity is greatest in South America and Asia, but native species also appear in Europe, Africa, and North America.
Wikipedia contributors, "Berberis", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Berberis
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Berberis
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Sandy, Loamy, Clay
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained, Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Berberis thunbergii 'Gold Ring' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Deciduous shrub
- Habit
- Bushy, Spiny
- Foliage
- Deciduous, Evergreen
- Height
- 2.0 m
- Suggested uses
- Borders, hedging, specimen plant
- Native to
- Japan, eastern Asia
- Toxicity
- Toxic if ingested
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Berberis thunbergii 'Gold Ring'
- Cultivation
- Prefers full sun to partial shade; tolerant of a range of soils; avoid waterlogged conditions
- Pruning
- Prune in late winter or early spring to maintain shape and remove dead wood
- Propagation
- Propagation by semi-hardwood cuttings or seed
- Pest resistance
- Aphids, Berberis sawfly
- Disease resistance
- Powdery mildew, Honey fungus
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Berberis thunbergii 'Gold Ring'?
Prefers full sun to partial shade; tolerant of a range of soils; avoid waterlogged conditions.
Where is the best place to plant Berberis thunbergii 'Gold Ring'?
Berberis thunbergii 'Gold Ring' prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Berberis thunbergii 'Gold Ring' need?
Berberis thunbergii 'Gold Ring' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained to moist but well-drained.
How do I prune Berberis thunbergii 'Gold Ring'?
Prune in late winter or early spring to maintain shape and remove dead wood.
How big does Berberis thunbergii 'Gold Ring' grow?
Berberis thunbergii 'Gold Ring' reaches a height of 2.0 m.
Is Berberis thunbergii 'Gold Ring' hardy in the UK?
Berberis thunbergii 'Gold Ring' has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Berberis thunbergii 'Gold Ring'?
Propagation by semi-hardwood cuttings or seed.
Is Berberis thunbergii 'Gold Ring' toxic?
Toxic if ingested.
