Shrub
Japanese Barberry
Berberis thunbergii
Features
Small yellow flowers in clusters in spring; bright red berries in clusters in autumn and winter; autumn color is orange, scarlet and purple.
Culture
Full sun; tolerates a wide range of soils except those that are overly wet.
Cultivars
The following are cultivars of the species:
- 'Aurea' - More compact (3-4 feet) with yellow foliage;
- 'Bogozam' (Bonanza Gold™)- Very compact (1½ feet) with yellow leaves. The following are cultivars of Berberis thunbergii var. atropurpurea (all have foliage that is reddish or purplish):
- 'Concorde'- Compact (2-3 feet);
- 'Crimson Pygmy' - Very compact (1½ to 2 feet);
- 'Helmond Pillar' - Narrow, upright form;
- 'Rose Glow'- Young foliage is red-purple, mottled with pink
Mature Height
3-6 Feet
Size
Small
Mature Width
3-6 Feet
Mature Form
Multi-stemmed with a rounded habit.
Native To:
Japan
USDA Hardiness Zone
4 - 8
Soil Conditions
Dry
Moist, Well-Drained
Tolerance
Alkaline Soil
Dry Sites
Wind
Exposure/Light Requirements
Full Sun
Uses
Barrier
Border
Foundation
Hedge
Massing
Specimen
Foliage Color
Green
Purple
Red
Variegated
Yellow
Fall Foliage Color
Green
Orange
Purple
Red
Yellow
Pests and Problems
Environmental Damage
Fungal Disease
Additional Notes
Related Resources
Home, Yard & Garden Pest Guide
The Home, Yard & Garden Pest Guide (C1391) provides is written for homeowners and other residents and provides nonchemical and current chemical recommendations for controlling pests associated with trees, shrubs, turf, flowers, groundcovers, vegetables, fruit, and houses. In addition, you'll find detailed information about integrated pest management, pesticide safety, and pesticide application and calibration techniques. This publication may be purchased at your local University of Illinois Extension Unit office, or by calling 800-345-6087, or by placing an order online (search for "C1391").
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Illinois Commercial Landscape and Turfgrass Pest Management Handbook
The Illinois Commercial Landscape and Turfgrass Pest Management Handbook (ICLT) is written for professional applicators and provides nonchemical and current chemical recommendations as well as application timing information for all major pests of turf, woody ornamentals and herbaceous ornamentals. This publication may be purchased at your local University of Illinois Extension Unit office, or by calling 800-345-6087, or by placing an order online (search for "ICLT").
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U of IL - Distance Diagnosis through Digital Imaging
A free plant, weed, insect and disease identification service available through your local University of Illinois Extension office. Center Educators or State Specialists review & respond to information and digital images submitted by local Extension office personnel. Some samples may require further examination or culture work (nominal fee involved) at the U of IL Plant Clinic.
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U of IL - Plant Clinic
Services include plant and insect identification, diagnosis of disease, insect, weed and chemical injury (chemical injury on field crops only), nematode assays, and help with nutrient related problems, as well as recommendations involving these diagnoses. Microscopic examinations, laboratory culturing, virus assays, and nematode assays are some of the techniques used in the clinic.
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