Berberis thunbergii, Barberry
Shrub
A large group of
deciduous shrubs that have a wide variety of attractions.
Some have ornamental foliage, others wonderful autumnal color, 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.
Recommended varieties:
Berberis thunbergii
Atropurpurea Nana, dwarf variety to about 60cm, 2ft. Red
/ purple foliage
Berberis thunbergii
Atropurpurea 150cm, 5ft. Red / purple foliage, good for
hedging can be trimmed to2 / 3ft
Buy
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.
Height
and spread:
varies greatly
according to variety
