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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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Plant Details

Flowering Months

January, not a flowering month
February, not a flowering month
March, not a flowering month
April, flowering month
May, flowering month
June, not a flowering month
July, not a flowering month
August, not a flowering month
September, not a flowering month
October, not a flowering month
November, not a flowering month
December, not a flowering month

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.
Hardiness H7 (< −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.

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