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Berberis thunbergii f. atropurpurea 'Harlequin' (Japanese barberry 'Harlequin')
1 hour care
per year
per year
1.2m
Max height
Max height
1m
Max spread
Max spread
10-20 years
To maturity
To maturity
Low
Toxicity
Toxicity
Plant details
Botanical name
Berberis thunbergii f. atropurpurea 'Harlequin'
Other names
Japanese barberry 'Harlequin'
Genus
Berberis Berberis
Variety or Cultivar
'Harlequin' _ 'Harlequin' is a compact, upright, deciduous shrub with small, ovate, cream- and pink-splashed, dark purple and umbel-like racemes of pale yellow flowers in mid-spring followed by glossy, red fruit.
Berberis thunbergii f. atropurpurea 'Harlequin' is: Deciduous
Habit
Compact, Upright
Toxicity
Ingestion may cause mild stomach upset.
Awards
RHS AGM (Award of Garden Merit)
Flower
Yellow in Spring
Foliage
Pink, White, Purple in Summer; Bright-red in Autumn
How to care
Watch out for
Pests
Generally pest-free.
Powdery mildew Powdery mildew
General care
Pruning
Pruning group 8. This plant needs little regular pruning. However, to renovate old plants, remove the oldest stems at the base and cut back all branches to healthy young shoots in late winter.
Propagation methods
Semi-hardwood cuttings
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Where to grow
Berberis thunbergii f. atropurpurea 'Harlequin' (Japanese barberry 'Harlequin') will reach a height of 1.2m and a spread of 1m after 10-20 years.
Suggested uses
Banks and Slopes, Beds and borders, City, Coastal, Cottage/Informal, Hedging/Screens, Low Maintenance
Cultivation
Plant in any well-drained soil in sun or partial shade. Flowering and fruiting is best in full sun.
Soil type
Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types)
Soil drainage
Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Light
Partial Shade, Full Sun
Aspect
North, East, West
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Hardy (H4)
Companion plants
We do not currently have companion plants added for this plant.
Botanical name
Berberis thunbergii f. atropurpurea 'Harlequin'
Other names
Japanese barberry 'Harlequin'
Genus
Berberis Berberis
Variety or Cultivar
'Harlequin' _ 'Harlequin' is a compact, upright, deciduous shrub with small, ovate, cream- and pink-splashed, dark purple and umbel-like racemes of pale yellow flowers in mid-spring followed by glossy, red fruit.
Native to
Garden origin
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Compact, Upright
Toxicity
Ingestion may cause mild stomach upset.
Awards
RHS AGM (Award of Garden Merit)
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Colour
Flower
Yellow in Spring
Foliage
Pink, White, Purple in Summer; Bright-red in Autumn
How to care
Watch out for
Pests
Generally pest-free.
Specific diseases
General care
Pruning
Pruning group 8. This plant needs little regular pruning. However, to renovate old plants, remove the oldest stems at the base and cut back all branches to healthy young shoots in late winter.
Propagation methods
Semi-hardwood cuttings
Monthly care advice
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Where to grow
Berberis thunbergii f. atropurpurea 'Harlequin' (Japanese barberry 'Harlequin') will reach a height of 1.2m and a spread of 1m after 10-20 years.
Suggested uses
Banks and Slopes, Beds and borders, City, Coastal, Cottage/Informal, Hedging/Screens, Low Maintenance
Cultivation
Plant in any well-drained soil in sun or partial shade. Flowering and fruiting is best in full sun.
Soil type
Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types)
Soil drainage
Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Light
Partial Shade, Full Sun
Aspect
North, East, West
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Hardy (H4)
USDA zones
Zone 8, Zone 7, Zone 6, Zone 5, Zone 4
In order to add a note on this plant, please add this plant to your plant lists.
| This plant likes... | Garden match | |
| Soil types: | Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types) | Tell us... |
| Soil drainage: | Moist but well-drained, Well-drained | Tell us... |
| Soil pH: | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral | Tell us... |
| Light: | Partial Shade, Full Sun | Tell us... |
| Aspect: | North, East, West | Tell us... |
| Exposure: | Exposed, Sheltered | Tell us... |
| Hardiness: | Hardy (H4) | Tell us... |
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