Overview
Berberis thunbergii 'Harlequin' is a deciduous shrub in the genus Berberis, part of the Berberidaceae family. It typically grows around 2.0 m tall. Berberis thunbergii 'Harlequin' grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include hedges, borders and foundation plantings. It is native to Japan.
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 moisture
- Well-drained, Moist but well-drained
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Berberis thunbergii 'Harlequin' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Deciduous shrub
- Height
- 2.0 m
- Suggested uses
- Hedges, Borders, Foundation plantings
- Native to
- Japan
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Berberis thunbergii 'Harlequin'
- Cultivation
- Prefers full sun to partial shade; tolerates a range of soils; avoid overly wet conditions
- Pruning
- Prune in late winter or early spring to maintain shape and remove dead wood
- Propagation
- Semi-hardwood cuttings in summer
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Berberis thunbergii 'Harlequin'?
Prefers full sun to partial shade; tolerates a range of soils; avoid overly wet conditions.
Where is the best place to plant Berberis thunbergii 'Harlequin'?
Berberis thunbergii 'Harlequin' prefers full sun.
What soil does Berberis thunbergii 'Harlequin' need?
Berberis thunbergii 'Harlequin' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. Aim for soil that stays well-drained to moist but well-drained.
How do I prune Berberis thunbergii 'Harlequin'?
Prune in late winter or early spring to maintain shape and remove dead wood.
How big does Berberis thunbergii 'Harlequin' grow?
Berberis thunbergii 'Harlequin' reaches a height of 2.0 m.
Is Berberis thunbergii 'Harlequin' hardy in the UK?
Berberis thunbergii 'Harlequin' 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 'Harlequin'?
Semi-hardwood cuttings in summer.
