Berberis thunbergii ‘Harlequin’ – A Playful Splash of Colour
Berberis thunbergii ‘Harlequin’ is a charming ornamental barberry that delivers vibrant colour from spring through winter. Its small, neat leaves emerge in rich shades of purple-red, overlaid with irregular splashes of pink, cream, and white, creating a marbled effect that looks fresh and lively all season.
In spring, tiny yellow flowers add a subtle touch of contrast before giving way to clusters of glossy red berries in autumn. The berries, held on bare branches through winter, provide both decorative interest and a valuable food source for birds. As a deciduous shrub, ‘Harlequin’ also brings seasonal drama – its bare winter frame adding a sculptural quality to the garden.
Compact and slow-growing, this variety is easy to manage, making it an excellent choice for small gardens, low hedging, mixed borders, or even containers. It thrives in sun or partial shade, tolerates most soils, and requires minimal care once established.
Why Choose Berberis thunbergii ‘Harlequin’?
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Striking Foliage – Purple-red leaves splashed with pink, cream, and white.
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Seasonal Interest – Spring flowers, autumn berries, and winter structure.
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Wildlife-Friendly – Nectar for pollinators, berries for birds.
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Compact Growth – Ideal for borders, small spaces, or hedges.
Planting & Care Guide
Position: Full sun for richest colour; tolerates partial shade.
Soil: Any well-drained soil.
Watering: Keep moist until established; drought-tolerant thereafter.
Feeding: Light application of balanced fertiliser in spring.
Pruning: Trim lightly after flowering to maintain shape; remove older stems periodically to encourage fresh growth.
Design & Planting Ideas
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Create a colour accent in mixed borders.
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Pair with silver or lime-green foliage plants for contrast.
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Use in low hedging to edge paths or lawns.
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Plant in containers for year-round interest.
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.
