Overview
Berberis thunbergii 'Orange Torch' is a bushy, compact, mound-forming shrubs in the genus Berberis, part of the Berberidaceae family, with deciduous, evergreen foliage. Berberis thunbergii 'Orange Torch' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include hedging, screening and mixed borders.
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.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Berberis
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, East-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Berberis thunbergii 'Orange Torch' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Shrubs
- Habit
- Bushy, Compact, Mound-forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous, Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Hedging, Screening, Mixed borders
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Berberis thunbergii 'Orange Torch'
- Propagation
- Seed, Semi-ripe cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Aphids, Berberis sawfly
- Disease resistance
- Powdery mildew, Honey fungus
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Berberis thunbergii 'Orange Torch'?
Berberis thunbergii 'Orange Torch' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Berberis thunbergii 'Orange Torch' need?
Berberis thunbergii 'Orange Torch' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Berberis thunbergii 'Orange Torch' hardy in the UK?
Berberis thunbergii 'Orange Torch' 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 'Orange Torch'?
Seed, Semi-ripe cuttings.
More in the Berberis genus
- Berberis amurensis 'Flamboyant'
- Berberis chilensis
- Berberis gagnepainii var. lanceifolia 'Green Mantle'
- Berberis glaucocarpagreat barberry
- Berberis holstii
- Berberis ilicifoliaholly barberry
- Berberis lycium
- Berberis thunbergii 'Golden Pillar'
