Berberis thunbergii Rosy Glow - Barberry

The Berberis thunbergii 'Rosy Glow' (syn. 'Rose Glow') is a variety of Thunberg's barberry that stands out with its original foliage, purple speckled with more or less light pink in summer, turning to redder tones in autumn. The bush is spiny, round, of modest size, very decorative between April and October. Easy to grow in any soil that is not too dry, hardy, colourful, it is suitable for all styles of gardens, many climates, and can be grown both in the ground and in pots.

The Berberis thunbergii, also called Thunberg's Barberry or Japanese Barberry, is a bush of the berberidaceae family native to Japan. It is characterized by a bushy, spreading, and low habit, and deciduous to almost evergreen foliage in mild climates.

The cultivar 'Rose Glow' is a horticultural variety derived from Berberis thunbergii Atropurpurea, rewarded with the precious A.G.M of the Royal Horticultural Society (R.H.S). It is a very dense shrub that will quickly reach a height of 1.20m (3ft 11in) with a spread of 1m (3.2ft). The branches, initially pink and then purplish, are semi-arched and semi-erect, bearing thorns. The deciduous foliage is the main asset of this barberry. It consists of small leaves measuring 2 to 2.5cm (1in) long, obovate (ovate, with the upper part of the leaf wider than the lower part). In spring, the young shoots bear uniformly purple leaves. The shoots that form in summer are adorned with leaves variegated with dark red, purple, violet, pink, and silver-white tones. In April-May, clusters of 1 to 6 small flowers bloom on 1-year-old stems. The bell-shaped flowers, 1cm (0.4in) long, are pale yellow. They are very nectar-rich and are followed in September-October by small bright red spherical fruits measuring 6 to 8mm (0.3in) long, which persist on the branches for part of the winter. The foliage takes on beautiful red hues in autumn before falling.

Thunberg's Barberry Rosy Glow is a very accommodating shrub with regard to soil, tolerating pruning very well, but clearly preferring sunny exposures. It is a shame to confine it to the role of a defensive hedge; while it fulfills its mission perfectly, its personality is stifled and its naturally graceful habit is completely lost. Its remarkable foliage deserves a prime location in front of larger shrubs with pink flowers (Beautybush, Deutzia, etc.), red flowers (Japanese Quince, roses, Weigela), or even yellow to orange flowers (Japanese Kerria, Broom, Honeysuckle 'Dropmore Scarlet'). It can also be combined with the grey foliage of shrubby wormwoods. This shrub can also be planted in large rockeries, to cover slopes or highlight the edge of a path. It also thrives when grown in a large container to decorate a terrace or balcony.