Berberis thunbergii Powwow

The Berberis thunbergii 'Powwow' is a variety of barberry with an upright and narrow habit, almost columnar, with variegated foliage. In spring, its deciduous leaves are a golden yellow with cream white variegation, then turn lime green in summer. In autumn, they blaze with shades of orange, pink, red, and purple. Its inconspicuous yellow spring flowers are followed by the formation of bright red berries in autumn. This deciduous shrub is ideal for low hedges or mixed shrub borders with colourful foliage.

The Berberis thunbergii, also known as Japanese barberry or Thunberg's barberry, is a shrub from the Berberidaceae family native to Japan. It is characterised by a spreading, low, bushy habit and deciduous foliage in winter or almost evergreen in mild climates. It is a hardy and low-maintenance plant that is water-efficient and tolerant of limestone soils.

The 'Powwow' cultivar will reach a height of about 1 meter and a width of 50 cm over time. It has a narrow, very dense, slightly stiff habit supported by vertical branches. The young branches have mildly aggressive thorns. The foliage consists of glossy leaves, measuring 3 cm long, that are ovate to rounded in shape. The colour is a golden yellow with cream variegation, becoming greener in summer. In April-May, clusters of 1 to 6 small flowers bloom on 1-year-old stems. The bell-shaped flowers, 1 cm long, are a soft yellow with slight red striations. They are highly nectariferous and are followed in September-October by small, spherical, bright red fruits measuring 6 to 8 mm long, which persist on the branches throughout winter. The foliage takes on beautiful fiery hues before falling.

The 'Powwow' Japanese barberry is a tolerant shrub that can thrive in various soil types and withstand pruning. It prefers sun, but to avoid intense midday spring and summer exposures, it can be planted in partial shade in regions where necessary. Its foliage pairs perfectly with a colour palette ranging from red to yellow and orange, creating a colourful mixed hedge. Plant it alongside shrubs such as pink-flowered Kolkwitzia and red-flowered Japanese quince, and don't forget the yellow to orange flowers of the Kerria japonica. It can also be used with colourful or variegated evergreen foliage.