Japanese Barberry (Berberis thunbergii)

Japanese Barberry is a dense, deciduous shrub known for its colorful foliage, thorny stems, and adaptability. It is often used in hedges, borders, and foundation plantings due to its compact form and deer resistance. While it offers ornamental value with red, purple, or green leaves and bright red berries, it is considered invasive in many regions of North America, where it displaces native plants and alters soil chemistry.

Category

Sun Needs:

  • Full sun to partial shade
  • Best foliage color in full sun
  • Tolerates a range of light conditions

Bloom Time:

  • Mid to late spring
  • Small, pale yellow flowers are not showy but attract pollinators
Size:

Height: 3 to 6 feet (some cultivars may be smaller or larger)
Width: 3 to 6 feet

Attributes:
  • Colorful foliage in shades of green, red, or purple
  • Bright red berries persist into winter
  • Thorny branches deter deer and make it useful as a barrier plant
  • Drought-tolerant once established
  • Widely used in landscaping, but invasive in many areas
Care Tips:
  • Prefers well-drained soil; tolerates a wide range of soil types
  • Water regularly during establishment; drought-tolerant afterward
  • Prune in late winter or early spring to shape and control size
  • Wear gloves when handling due to sharp thorns
  • Check local regulations before planting
Pest Watch:
  • Generally pest-resistant
  • May harbor ticks in dense thickets
  • Monitor for aphids or scale in some conditions

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