Shrub

Berberis thunbergii ‘Harlequin’

Japanese Barberry 'Harlequin'
Award Winner Loved by Pollinators Low Maintenance Hardiness H7

Purple-red leaves marbled with pink and cream make Berberis thunbergii ‘Harlequin’ a colourful deciduous shrub from spring to autumn. Its upright thorny growth suits mixed borders, informal hedges and contrast planting in full sun or partial shade.
SKU: BERB-47-Y
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Flowering Months
Jan J
Feb F
Mar M
Apr A
May M
Jun J
Jul J
Aug A
Sep S
Oct O
Nov N
Dec D
Size
Max Height
1.0 m — 1.5 m
Max Spread
0.5 m — 1.0 m
Growth Habit
Densely branched plant with compact, leafy, rounded overall shape.
Planting Position
Sunlight Indicates how much direct sunlight the plant needs each day. Full sun means 6+ hours, part shade is filtered or morning sun, and full shade is little to no direct sun.
Full Sun Part Shade
Aspect Aspect refers to the direction the planting spot faces (north, south, east or west). It affects light levels, warmth and exposure.
East North West
Exposure Exposure describes how sheltered or exposed a plant’s position is, particularly to wind and weather.
Exposed / Sheltered
Hardiness Hardiness indicates how well a plant tolerates cold conditions outdoors. Higher ratings generally mean greater frost tolerance.
(< −20 °C) Extremely hardy
Ideal Soil Conditions
Soil Type Soil type describes the texture of the soil (clay, sand, loam, chalk). This affects drainage, nutrients and how roots grow.
Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Soil Moisture Soil moisture tells you how wet or dry the soil should be for best growth. Match this to your garden conditions for healthier plants.
Moist but permeable / Free draining
Soil pH Soil pH measures how acidic or alkaline the soil is. It affects nutrient availability and can impact plant growth.
Acid Alkaline Neutral
Plant Uses & Merits
Uses
  • Coastal Areas
  • Patios / Courtyards
  • Hedging / Screening
  • Flower Borders
Merits
  • Low Maintenance
  • Loved By Pollinators
  • RHS | Award Of Garden Merit

Berberis thunbergii ‘Harlequin’ Description

Berberis thunbergii ‘Harlequin’ forms an upright, bushy deciduous shrub with purple-red leaves irregularly mottled and splashed with pink, cream and grey. Small pale yellow flowers appear in spring and provide nectar for pollinating insects, followed by red berries in autumn. The foliage also develops brighter red tones before falling. Mature plants reach approximately 1 to 1.5 metres high and 0.5 to 1 metre wide, making them useful in mixed shrub borders, informal hedges and colourful screening. Grow in full sun for the strongest variegation, or partial shade, in almost any moist but well-drained soil. It is very hardy in Ireland. Prune carefully after flowering if required, as the stems carry sharp spines.

Planting Guide for Berberis thunbergii ‘Harlequin’

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Care guide for Berberis thunbergii ‘Harlequin’

Items must be returned within 30 days after receiving your order. Items must be returned in the same condition in which they were received, be unworn/unused, have any tags still attached, and include all the original packaging.

Uses for Berberis thunbergii ‘Harlequin’ & Garden Styles it suits

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