PlantFiles: Japanese Barberry
Berberis thunbergii 'Rose Glow'

I planted 30 JB Rose Glow this summer and have been waiting patiently for growth.
Please share any info on how to speed up growth.

A few years ago I planted a row against the chain link fence, mostly to keep my dogs "socializing" with the neighbor's puppy. I underplanted them with dead nettle, and left them alone, except for occasional trimming, considering them a temporary solution. They turned out gorgeous! Since I have a pretty decent garden, from a distance, guests often assume these are some exotic plants. You should see their faces when I explain they are barberries! I now have them by smoke bush Young Lady, underplanted with Blue Oat grass, and by Hakuro Nishiki willow. I also planted a couple of smaller Crimson Pigmy ones, by Hameln pennisetum. They are the workhorses of the garden! Love them in any season.

Native to Japan and Eastern Asia, it's escaped cultivation in North America and has been replacing native species. It's recognized as invasive in many parts of the Eastern U.S. Further, the plant can raise the pH of the soil and affect soil nitrogen levels. The Plant Conservation Alliance's Alien Plant Working Group lists it among its "Least Wanted".

If you live in the U.S., I would choose a native bush like the Chokecherry instead.

These perform very well for me; they're beautiful, tough, and require nothing more than a bit of pruning. They are also extremely functional as a home security enhancement. If you plant these near the windows of your home, the thorns will keep just about everyone away. (I'm really not joking about this - a few years ago my teenaged son had a lower level bedroom and was using his window to sneak friends in and out. Once I planted a barberry in front of that window, the traffic stopped completely.)

Awesome color to contrast other plants such as blue rug juniper or even around the base of a Hoopsi. I know the Jap Barberry's tolerate shade with no problem,but in my experiance...unless they get full Sun,the color is not near as brilliant, in fact, they look quite ordinary so what is the point?

With its lovely arching shape, 'Rose Glow' is ideal on a slight slope. Miraculously survives the Southeast's Turkish sauna of humidity and extreme heat without being marred by insects or disease. The burgundy and pink mottling on new leaves is this carefree shrub's greatest asset -- exquisite!

Absolutely wonderful bush to use as a foundation planting or to add color to your yard! In spring and early summer the bush has colors ranging from a deep green to a mottled rosy pink and finally burgundy - all at the same time! If you trim it back in summer, it will again put on a show as the new growth appears. In winter when the leaves disappear, the stems stay a wonderful red for winter interest, and the birds love the berries. And!!! the thorns make them deer resistant!

Will do equally well in full sun or part sun, moist to well drained soil. Doesn't appear to need any special fertilizing. Trim back as needed, spring, summer or fall.

Other than making sure you wear gloves when trimming (because of the thorns), this bush doesn't have a downside. I heartily recommend them. We've planted them along our walkway and draw many compliments from visitors on how they enhance the look of our property.

These plants require little or no maintenance other than a little pruning to taste. I prefer very little or no pruning...just enought to keep it from getting out of hand. They are a bit drab in winter as they shed their leaves but are very attractive in the summer with burgandy leaves and small inconspicuous flowers in spring. They make a great hedge if planted close together due to the many sharp thorns throughout the plant.

One of the cultivars thought to be resistant to Black Rust Stem; it is permitted to enter Canada.