Ornamental shrub
Japanese barberry
Berberis thunbergii
A hardy colored shrub for contrast, low hedges and structured mixed borders.
Planning parameters
Use these values as a practical planning envelope: they describe the adult plant, not the young seedling.
- Adult height
- 0.8-2 m
- Crown diameter
- 1.5 m
- Root zone
- 1.8 m
- Root type
- Fibrous, compact spreading
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Recommended setback
- 0.8-1.2 m from paths because of thorns
- Growth rate
- Medium
- Hardiness
- USDA 4-8
- Crown density
- Dense
Site requirements
These conditions decide whether the plant will establish well after planting.
- Clair
- Sun / partial shade
- Watering
- Low / moderate
- Soil type
- Drained garden soil
- Drainage
- Well-drained, tolerates dryness
- Soil pH
- Slightly acidic to neutral
Root system and placement
Compact fibrous roots; suitable for borders and low hedges.
Garden role and season
These fields help choose the plant by composition, privacy, flowering and year-round value.
- Form
- Rounded thorny colored shrub
- Foliage
- Deciduous colored foliage
- Season
- Spring to autumn foliage, red berries
- Bloom
- Small yellow flowers in spring
- Fruit
- Red berries that can remain in winter
- Garden use
- Color accent, low hedge, contrast in mixed border
Care and risks
This is the practical part for future maintenance and safe placement on the plot.
- Maintenance
- Low
- Pruning
- Light shaping after flowering or in early spring
- Risks
- Thorns; avoid tight pedestrian routes and children play edges.
Other plants
Return to the catalog or compare nearby options before placing plants on the site plan.
