About

Berberis thunbergii 'Kelleriis' is a compact, spiny shrub that typically reaches a height of around 1 meter. Its leaves are small and rounded, featuring a marbled pattern of green and white, with the white portions transitioning to pink and eventually dark red as autumn arrives. In mid-spring, the plant produces small, pendulous yellow flowers, which are later succeeded by narrow, vibrant red berries.

About the genus

Berberis consists of shrubs that can be either deciduous or evergreen, characterized by their spiny branches and simple leaves that may have spine-like serrations. The plants produce small yellow or orange flowers, which appear in clusters or racemes in the leaf axils, eventually yielding small berries.

Growing conditions

Sunlight

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil type

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Soil pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

Soil moisture

Moist but well-drained, Well-drained

Aspect

West-facing, South-facing, North-facing, East-facing

Exposure

Exposed, Sheltered

UK hardiness

H7

Plant details

Plant type

Shrubs

Habit

Bushy

Foliage

Deciduous

Height

0.5-1 metres

Spread

0.5-1 metres

Time to full height

5-10 years

Suggested uses

Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens, City and courtyard gardens

Toxicity

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

Care notes

Cultivation

Tolerant of a range of soils and locations, but grows best in any well drained soil in full sun or partial shade, though flowering and fruiting are best in full sun. See berberis cultivation for further advice

Pruning

Pruning group 2

Propagation

Propagate from softwood cuttings or semi-hardwood cuttings

Pest resistance

May be susceptible to aphids and berberis sawfly

Disease resistance

May be susceptible to powdery mildews and sometimes honey fungus