How big does Japanese barberry grow?

About 1.5 m × 1.5 m after ten years (height × width). Its ultimate size is 0.9–1.8 m × 1–2.1 m.

What soil does Japanese barberry grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil, clay, sandy, calcareous, acidic.

Is Japanese barberry hardy?

Hardy down to -34 °C (USDA zone 4, RHS H7). It gets through winter in every part of the country.

Is Japanese barberry toxic to children?

Yes, it is mildly toxic to children.

How far from the house should Japanese barberry be planted?

Plant it at least 1.5 m from buildings. Keep it at least 0.5 m from paving.

How far apart should Japanese barberry be planted?

Planted on its own, it needs 60 cm between plants. For a hedge, allow 3 plants per metre.

When does Japanese barberry flower?

Flowering: April–May, yellow.

How much water does Japanese barberry need?

Water need: low. Drought tolerance: high.

How much does Japanese barberry cost?

It sells for roughly €4.90 to €16 in local shops, depending on size.

Japanese barberry

Berberis thunbergii

Japanese barberry (Berberis thunbergii) is a shrub that reaches 1.5 m × 1.5 m after ten years. Light: full sun, part shade. Hardy down to -34 °C. Drought tolerance: high. Mildly toxic to children. Sold in local shops from about €4.90.

Illustration of Japanese barberry — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

A dense, spiny, undemanding deciduous shrub grown mainly for its green, burgundy, yellow or variegated foliage, vivid autumn colour and red berries that last into winter. It takes drought, heat and clipping well, so it makes a good low hedge, edging or impenetrable thorny barrier. It will not stand waterlogged soil, and because of the spines keep it away from play areas and paths and wear thick gloves when pruning.

Watch out for

The spiny branches trap wind-blown litter and leaves, and cleaning them out is unpleasant. Powdery mildew, aphids and berberis sawfly can occur but rarely do serious harm. Birds spread the seed and arching branches can root where they touch the ground: this makes it a serious invasive plant in North America, while in Central Europe only casual escapes have been recorded so far, but next to semi-natural areas and woodland edges it is better to choose something else.

Key facts

Light: Full sun, Part shade
Water need: Low
Care: Low
Size after 10 years: 1.5 m × 1.5 m
Hardiness: down to -34 °C
Foliage: Deciduous
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D April–May, yellow

Group	Shrub
Light	Full sun, Part shade
Size after 10 years	1.5 m × 1.5 m
Ultimate size	0.9–1.8 m × 1–2.1 m
Hardiness	down to -34 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Clay, Sandy, Calcareous, Acidic
Foliage	Deciduous
Flowering	April–May, yellow
Water need	Low
Drought tolerance	High
Maintenance	Low
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	yes
Spreading	Medium
Distance from buildings	at least 1.5 m
Distance from paving	at least 0.5 m
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	60 cm
For dogs	no data
For cats	no data
For children	Mildly toxic
Typical price	from about €4.90

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
15+ cm	approx. €6
20-40 cm	approx. €9
20-30 cm	approx. €9
size not stated	approx. €4.90 – €16

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 8, 2026 · How our data is made

Appears in these lists

Shrubs for part shade Drought-tolerant plants Drought-tolerant shrubs Drought-tolerant plants for sandy soil Hedge plants Low hedge plants Plants for containers Low-maintenance shrubs Low shrubs Plants with autumn colour Shrubs with autumn colour

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