Japanese barberry - Berberis thunbergii - €6 per plant 

This is a very adaptable shrub that is tolerant of urban conditions and makes an excellent hedging plant. The berries and leaves are edible. The taste of the berries has a bitter taste with a hint of sweetness and tartness. It is highly ornamental in its arching dense form with attractive flowers and berries, but most of all stunning foliage which continues its show throughout the autumn. Makes an excellent choice as a single specimen plant or massed in beds/hedges. To order this plant please contact us balkanecologyproject@gmail.com. 

Context

  • native region: Central and East Asia and Southern Japan
  • native habitat: None known
  • family: Berberidaceae

Pest and Predators

  • No serious problems​

Needs, tolerances 

  • Light: Semi-shade or full sun
  • soil pH:  Acid and neutral 
  • USDA Hardiness Zone: 3a - 10b
  • Prefers well drained soil    
  • Can grow in nutritionally poor soil

Known hazards 

  • ​None known

Overview

  • 2nd yr bare root 
  • Shrub growing to 2 m x 3 m at a medium rate. 
  • It is in flower in May
  • The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by insects.
  • It is self fertile
  • Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. grow in heavy and nutritionally poor soil
  • Suitable pH: acid and neutral soils. 
  • It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or full sun. 

Characteristics

  • form: Deciduous medium sized shrub/small tree
  • layer : Shrub
  • habit: deciduous, creeping roots
  • height x width (m): 2m x 3m  

Products 


  • Flowers: Highly attractive yellow blooms
  • Fruit: Poor flavour, but relished by birds
  • Leaves: Obovate green leaves that turn pretty shades of colours in the autumn.
  • Wood: Many medicinal uses of the bark which is said to be anthelmintic, antiseptic 

Functions, behaviors


  • Functions very well as a hedging plant 
  • Tolerates heat and drought, but is generally intolerant of poorly-drained, overly wet soils
  • They are very tolerant of trimming and have prickles which make them an effective barrier 
  • Ornamental
If you would like this plant please send an email to balkanecologyproject@gmail.com with your order. 
Balkan Ecology Project