Japanese Barberry Harlequin

Berberis thunbergii f. atropurpurea 'Harlequin' is a low-maintenance and easy-to-grow deciduous barberry. This shrub offers year-round interest with its dark red-purple leaves, speckled with creamy pink, which contrast with small, red-tinged, pale-yellow flowers in mid-spring. In autumn, the leaves turn a brilliant red before falling.

Plant Berberis thunbergii f. atropurpurea 'Harlequin' in moist but well-drained soil, in full sun to partial shade. Prune any straggly stems in autumn. This plant has received the Royal Horticultural Society's esteemed Award of Garden Merit.

Site: Tolerates exposure, including coastal
Soil: Any well-drained soil, preferably moist
Position: Full sun or partial shade
Season of interest: Mid- to late spring, summer, autumn
Hardiness: Very hardy
Height:  5’ (1.5m) Spread: 4’ (1.4m) in 5-10 years