Barberry - Berberis thunbergii - Shrub

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A large group of deciduous shrubs that have a wide variety of attractions. Some have ornamental foliage, others wonderful autumnal colour, some flower beautifully and others produce decorative berries.

What they do all have in common is that they have spines that are often hidden just below the leaves. As well as their horticultural attractions, they therefore also are excellent as plants for enhancing security around a property, either as a hedge or as individual or groups of plants under vulnerable downstairs windows preventing access. The spines are small and not often immediately obvious, they are however very vicious.

They make good additions to a mixed border or can be used to provide a very attractive and effective mixed hedge. I have planted several ornamental security hedges made of a mixture of Berberis and Pyracantha varieties.

Height and spread: varies greatly according to variety from 1ft (30cm) to about 6ft (1.8m) tall, 1ft (30cm) to 8ft (2.5m) wide

Recommended varieties:

Berberis thunbergii Atropurpurea Nana dwarf variety to about 60cm, 2ft. Red / purple foliage

Berberis thunbergii Aurea, beautiful bright yellow young foliage.

Berberis thunbergii Bagatelle, very compact 30cm, 1ft with deep red / purple foliage

Berberis thunbergii Helmond Pillar, very upright variety to 1.5m, 5ft, red / purple foliage

Berberis thunbergii Rose Glow, red purple leaves flecked with white as they age

Position: full sun or partial shade, variegated varieties develop the best colour in full sun, fruiting and autumn colour better in full sun

Soil: fairly unfussy

Rate of growth: medium

Other Features: make an excellent security hedge, or will help to protect an exposed downstairs window if planted below it.

Hardiness: fully hardy

Uses - Hedging / mixed border / security