Plants by mail order since 1984, over 4100 plants online today!
- Shop Now
- Burncoose Specialities
- This Month
- Offers & Promotions
- RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2022
- Engage With Us
- Information, Help & Advice
- About Us & Our Services
- Terms & Conditions
- Log In / Register
BERBERIS thunbergii
Commonly known as Japanese barberry
Green leaves changing to orange-red in autumn. Suitable for hedges
Further Reading....
-
Deciduousleaves to 3cm (1¼in) long, fresh green above, bluish green beneath.
-
YellowRed-tinged, pale yellow flowers.
-
Height1m (39in)
-
Spread2.5m (8ft)
-
HedgeIdeal for hedging
-
Medium shrubTypically grow to around 4-6 feet in heightDense, rounded, spiny shrub. Produces flowers along the branches, followed by ellipsoid, glossy red fruit.
-
Very hardyHardy in the severest continental climates including exposed upland locations in the UK. Plant can withstand temperatures < -20 (-4°F)
-
Full sun
-
Partial shade
BERBERIS thunbergii
-
Additional FeaturesBerriesThese plants have berries.Good to knowWildlife plant - nectar and pollen for insects.Pests & DiseasesAphids, powdery mildew.Place of originJapan
-
Flower ShapeRacemesUmbel-like racemes of 2-5, rarely solitary, flowers 1cm (½in) long
-
Garden Location/ConditionsCoastal / windswept
-
HardinessFully hardy
-
Leaf marginEntire
(see photos above) -
Leaf shapeObovate
(see photos above) -
Pruning groupPruning group 2Suitable for: Deciduous shrubs and trees that flower in Spring or early Summer on previous year's growth, including plants that produce new growth at or near ground level.
Pruning: Prune flowered shoots to strong buds. Cut back approximately 1/4 of old shoots to the base to promote replacement growth.
When: Annually, after flowering.
RHS groups 2 & 3 -
Seasonal InterestAutumnSpringSummer
-
Soil ConditionsTolerates allAny well-drained soil.
-
WildlifeBee friendlyRabbit Resistant
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Berberis - Care Guide
Hedging - Box Alternatives
1m (39in)
|
![]() |
![]() |
2.5m (8ft) |

ATRIPLEX halimus
Tree purslane
Available from £13.50

BERBERIS thunbergii 'Admiration'
Japanese barberry
Available from £14.50

BERBERIS thunbergii atropurpurea
Japanese barberry, Purple-leafed barberry
Available from £14.50

BERBERIS thunbergii 'Aurea'
Japanese barberry, Golden-leafed barberry
Available from £14.50
Buy Varieties of BERBERIS thunbergii


BERBERIS thunbergii 'Admiration'
Japanese barberry
compact, low growing variety with lovely orange-red leaves with a yellow edge. Good orange autumn colour

BERBERIS thunbergii atropurpurea
Japanese barberry, Purple-leafed barberry
best purple foliage berberis


BERBERIS thunbergii 'Atropurpurea-nana'
Japanese barberry, Purple-leafed barberry
dwarf purple berberis

BERBERIS thunbergii 'Aurea'
Golden-leafed barberry, Japanese barberry
bright gold foliage


BERBERIS thunbergii 'Golden Ring'
Japanese barberry
leaves purplish-red with greenish-yellow border

BERBERIS thunbergii 'Red Chief'
Japanese barberry
deep reddish purple leaves on bright red stems


BERBERIS thunbergii 'Rose Glow'
Japanese barberry
leaves of young shoots purple, mottled silvery pink and bright rose, becoming purple later
Useful extras...

Fertilisers & Feeds - Vitax
Q4 Pelleted Fertiliser
A useful fertiliser suitable for use on a wide variety of plants. Q4 provides all the nutrients and trace elements essential for vigorous growth, abundant flowering and ripening of fruit.
3 options from £6.00

Fertilisers & Feeds - Empathy
Rootgrow mycorrhizal fungi
Recommended by the RHS. Contains Rootgrow™ mycorrhizal fungi. Suitable for all trees and shrubs (except rhododendrons, azaleas, heathers, cranberries and blueberries)
2 options from £6.00

Fertilisers & Feeds - Empathy
All-purpose Seaweed Stimulant
All-purpose organic concentrated seaweed feed that is a ready to use, derived from sustainable harvested kelp, that can be used on all outdoor and indoor plants, except acid loving plants.
Perfect used in conjunction with Rootgrow™.
Only £7.50