GardenWizzPlant Care Card

Japanese Barberry

Berberis thunbergii · Shrub

Hardiness
H7 Very hardy (to below −20°C)
Position
Full sun, Partial shade
Height × Spread
90–100 cm × 0.9–2.5 m
Soil
well-drained soil; most soils
Flowering
April–June
Toxicity
All parts of the plant, especially the berries, are toxic to humans if ingested.

The Gardening Year

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
🪴 Plant out
🌸 In flower
✂️ Prune

Watch out for

Berberis sawfly: Hand-pick larvae if few, or apply a biological insecticide like spinosad for severe infestations.

Powdery mildew: Improve air circulation by pruning and apply a fungicide if infection is severe.

Aphids: Encourage natural predators like ladybirds or use a strong jet of water to dislodge them.

Honey fungus: Improve drainage and remove infected roots; severe cases may require removing the plant.

Full guide: gardenwizz.com/plants/berberis-thunbergii © GardenWizz — UK gardening encyclopedia