Berberis thunbergii

Berberis thunbergii (Japanese dracaena) is an ornamental shrub highly valued for its colorful foliage, resistance and versatility in landscaping.

 General characteristics

• Guy: leafy, thorny shrub

• Dimensions: 0.4–2 m high, depending on the variety

• Crown: compact, globular or slightly spreading

• Growth: slow–medium

• Longevity: big

 Foliage

• Small, oval leaves

• Various colors, depending on the variety: green, yellow, red, burgundy, purple

• Autumn takes on spectacular shades (bright red, orange)

 Flowers

• They appear in April–May

• Small, yellow, discrete, but decorative

• Honeysuckle (attract pollinators)

 Fruits

• Small, red, shiny berries

• Decorative in autumn and winter

• Inedible (ornamental)

 Planting requirements

• Exposure: full sun or partial shade

  • in the sun the color of the leaves is more intense

• Soil: well drained, adaptable (tolerates poorer soils)

• Resistance: very good in frost, drought and urban pollution

 Maintenance

• It requires light haircuts, tolerates training very well

• Disease and pest resistant

• It has no special care requirements

 Use in landscaping

• Low or medium hedges (incl defensive hedge – thanks to the thorns)

• Borders, massive, rockeries

• Solitary planting for accent color

• Ideal for private gardens, parks and urban spaces