Berberis thunbergii Thunderbolt

Berberis Thunderbolt is a variety of Japanese barberry that is quite interesting for its small size and character, which is ornamental throughout the year. Unlike typical purple barberries, the bush retains much of its dark reddish-brown foliage in winter. This unusual colour, among the darkest that can be observed in these plants, beautifully highlights its small yellow flowers in spring, and then its purple berries later in the season. It has a low and dense growth habit, particularly suitable for small spaces and container gardening. Plant it in a small hedge, in a shrub border, along a grand pathway... It brings structure and colour to the garden in all seasons.

The Berberis thunbergii, also known as Japanese barberry, is a shrub of the berberidaceae family native to Japan. It is characterized by a bushy, spreading, and low habit, spiny branches, and deciduous foliage, nearly evergreen in mild climates.

The cultivar 'Thunderbolt' ('R7A27'), selected in 2015 by INRA, has a dense and rounded habit and does not exceed 90cm (35.4in) in all directions. The plum colour branches are semi-erect and bear mildly aggressive thorns. The foliage is the main asset of this barberry. It consists of glossy leaves, larger than those of other varieties, measuring 3 to 4cm (1.2 - 1.6in) long, with an obovate shape (ovate, with the upper part of the leaf wider than the lower part). At bud break, they are a purple colour, and as they mature, they darken until they become almost brown and shiny. In May-June, numerous clusters of 1 to 6 small flowers bloom on 1-year-old stems. The 1cm (0.4in) long, bell-shaped flowers are a soft yellow streaked with red. They are very nectar-rich and followed in September-October by small spherical purple fruits, 6 to 8mm (0.2 - 0.3in) in size, which persist on the branches for part of the winter. The foliage will remain completely evergreen in mild winters. In colder winters, about 75% of the leaves remain on the branches.

The Thunderbolt barberry is a very adaptable shrub in terms of soil and tolerates pruning very well. It prefers sunny exposures. Its magnificent evergreen foliage forms a dazzling contrast with light-coloured foliage in grey or silver, yellow or apple green, and white, pink, or bright blue flowers. Place it in front of larger shrubs with pink flowers (Kolkwitzia, Abelia, Abeliophyllum distichum Roseum), red flowers (Japanese quince, roses, Weigelas), or even yellow to orange flowers (Kerria japonica, Genista Lena Orange, Lonicera Dropmore Scarlett). It can also be paired with shrubby Artemisias and dwarf willows (Salix lanata, Salix purpurea Nana). This shrub also thrives when grown in a large container, to adorn the terrace or balcony.