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Berberis thunbergii f. atropurpurea ‘Rose Glow’
variegated Japanese barberry
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Image © Richie Steffen/Great Plant Picks
Image © Lynne Thompson/Great Plant Picks |
Printer-friendly Fact Sheet
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| Outstanding Qualities |
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This fast-growing, compact deciduous shrub leafs out each spring in deceptive dark purple, but as spring turns to summer, the young leaves add brushstrokes of candy-pink and vanilla, sometimes with a little fresh green thrown in for good measure. ‘Rose Glow’ has pale yellow flowers that hide among the leaves in midspring. Bright red fruits develop by late summer and hang on bare branches in autumn—especially effective when backlit by late afternoon sun. Variegated Japanese barberry has a naturally graceful shape with arching branches, but it also lends itself well to shearing as a hedge. On the down side, its spines are extremely sharp, which makes the plant undesirable in close quarters. Avoid placing it under deciduous trees because their leaves get stuck in the barberry’s spines, making cleanup difficult. |
| Culture |
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Variegated Japanese barberry grows well in any well-drained soil. Water young plants well for the first two seasons; they are drought tolerant once established. For best leaf coloration, plant ‘Rose Glow’ in full sun. It grows well in part shade and tolerates air pollution. Japanese barberries are inclined to become congested. Manage their growth by removing inward-growing or crossing branches. Periodically remove old stems at ground level to encourage fresh growth. ‘Rose Glow’ tolerates shearing, making it a good choice for a hedge or topiary. Its thorns are a nuisance at pruning time but make it a good barrier shrub. Avoid planting it where its thorns can catch litter, either from passersby or from overhead trees. |
| Growing Habit |
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This compact, deciduous shrub reaches 4 to 6 feet or more in height and 8 feet in width in 10 years. |
| Hardiness |
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USDA zones 4 to 8 |
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© 2009 Elisabeth Carey Miller Botanical Garden
Funded by the Pendleton and Elisabeth Carey Miller Charitable Foundation
Administered by the Elisabeth Carey Miller Botanical Garden