Overview
Berberis thunbergii 'Red Pillar' is a bushy, columnar upright 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 'Red Pillar' grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include hedges, borders and foundation planting. 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
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained, Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing, East-facing, North-facing
- Exposure
- Full sun
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Berberis thunbergii 'Red Pillar' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Deciduous shrub
- Habit
- Bushy, Columnar upright
- Foliage
- Deciduous, Evergreen
- Height
- 2.0 m
- Suggested uses
- Hedges, borders, foundation planting
- Native to
- Japan, eastern Asia
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Berberis thunbergii 'Red Pillar'
- Cultivation
- Prefers well-drained soil; tolerates a range of soil types; prune to maintain shape and remove dead wood
- Pruning
- Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth
- Propagation
- Semi-hardwood cuttings, layering
- Pest resistance
- Aphids, Berberis sawfly
- Disease resistance
- Powdery mildews, Honey fungus
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Berberis thunbergii 'Red Pillar'?
Prefers well-drained soil; tolerates a range of soil types; prune to maintain shape and remove dead wood.
Where is the best place to plant Berberis thunbergii 'Red Pillar'?
Berberis thunbergii 'Red Pillar' prefers full sun. It suits full sun positions.
What soil does Berberis thunbergii 'Red Pillar' need?
Berberis thunbergii 'Red Pillar' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained to moist but well-drained.
How do I prune Berberis thunbergii 'Red Pillar'?
Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth.
How big does Berberis thunbergii 'Red Pillar' grow?
Berberis thunbergii 'Red Pillar' reaches a height of 2.0 m.
Is Berberis thunbergii 'Red Pillar' hardy in the UK?
Berberis thunbergii 'Red Pillar' 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 'Red Pillar'?
Semi-hardwood cuttings, layering.
