Berberis thunbergii ‘Harlequin’ – Striking Foliage with Year-Round Interest
Berberis thunbergii ‘Harlequin’ is a standout deciduous shrub prized for its stunning variegated foliage and compact, easy-care habit. Throughout the growing season, its deep purplish-red leaves are boldly splashed with silver-pink and white, creating a unique and eye-catching effect in borders or containers. In autumn, the foliage deepens to brilliant crimson before dropping to reveal ornamental red berries that persist into winter.
With its dense, thorny growth, ‘Harlequin’ is perfect for colourful hedging, wildlife gardens, or as a dramatic accent plant.
Why Grow Berberis ‘Harlequin’?
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Dramatic Variegated Foliage – Marbled pink, cream, and burgundy leaves offer vibrant colour from spring to autumn.
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Compact Form – Reaching around 1–1.2m tall and wide, it fits well in small gardens or tight spaces.
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Seasonal Interest – Yellow spring flowers, summer foliage, fiery autumn colour, and winter berries – truly multi-seasonal.
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Wildlife-Friendly – Spring blooms attract pollinators, while the berries provide food for birds in colder months.
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Great for Security – The thorny branches deter unwanted intruders, making it useful as a low security hedge or boundary plant.
How to Grow Berberis ‘Harlequin’
Soil – Adaptable to most well-drained soils, including clay and chalk.
Light – Best colour in full sun, but also grows well in partial shade.
Watering – Water regularly in the first season to establish. Once established, it is drought-tolerant.
Pruning – Prune after flowering if needed to maintain shape. Can be trimmed harder for hedging.
Perfect Planting Partners
Pair Berberis ‘Harlequin’ with evergreens like Euonymus or Hebe for contrast, or underplant with spring bulbs and low-growing perennials like Heuchera or Nepeta. It also combines beautifully with other Berberis cultivars or dark-leaved shrubs like Physocarpus for layered interest.
Berberis thunbergii ‘Harlequin’ offers bold colour, easy-care nature, and great structure – a fantastic choice for gardeners seeking a showy, low-maintenance shrub that shines throughout the seasons.
Does the height include the pot?
No, we measure from the top of the pot to the tip of the plant except for some of the instant planted screens, in this case it will be stated in the description
How long does delivery take?
Most orders are delivered in just a few days, Smaller items are often sent with Parcelforce on a next day service, Larger items should allow up to 10 days due to the size of the items they often have to be sent on our own transport.
Where will you leave my plants?
We will leave your order at the front of your property, Parcelforce may
leave your items in a safe place if you let us know, Pallet couriers
will require a flat hard surface to deliver to, no gravel or soil, a
driveway or parking spot would be best. Most importantly Deliveries by
pallet courier will require access for a large truck (bin lorry sized)
to get near the delivery point. Deliveries sent on our own transport may come in a small van or larger truck.