Position

Sun exposure:
Dappled shade, full sun, partial shade
Aspect:
South facing, west facing
Position in border:
Middle

Soil

Acidic / Chalky / Alkaline / Clay / Heavy / Moist / Well Drained / Light / Sandy

Berberis thunbergii f. atropurpurea 'Harlequin' is an undemanding and easy-to-grow deciduous barberry. A good shrub for year-round interest, it boasts dark red-purple leaves, mottled with creamy pink, which contrast with small, red-tinted, pale-yellow flowers in mid-spring. In autumn the leaves turn a brilliant shade of red before falling.

Grow Berberis thunbergii f. atropurpurea 'Harlequin' in moist but well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade. Prune straggly stems in autumn. Berberis thunbergii f. atropurpurea 'Harlequin' has been awarded the Royal Horticultural Society's prestigious Award of Garden Merit.

Plant calendar

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Plantyesyesyesyesyes
Flowersyesyesyes
Fruitsyesyesyes
Take cuttingsyesyes
Pruneyesyes

Berberis ‘Harlequin’ and wildlife

Berberis ‘Harlequin’ is known for attracting bees and birds. It has nectar/pollen rich flowers, has seeds for birds and makes a good wildlife hedge.

Is known to attract Bees
Bees
Is not known to attract Beneficial insects
Beneficial insects
Is known to attract Birds
Birds
Is not known to attract Butterflies/​Moths
Butterflies/​Moths
Is not known to attract Other pollinators
Other pollinators

Is Berberis ‘Harlequin’ poisonous?

Berberis ‘Harlequin’ has no toxic effects reported.

No reported toxicity to:
Is not known to attract Birds
Birds
Is not known to attract Cats
Cats
Is not known to attract Dogs
Dogs
Is not known to attract Horses
Horses
Is not known to attract Livestock
Livestock
Is not known to attract People
People
Plants that go well with Berberis 'Harlequin'
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