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© Photo by David J. Stang, some rights reserved (CC-BY-SA) · Wikimedia Commons
Berberis thunbergii f. atropurpurea 'Rose Glow'
Rose Glow Barberry
Species native to Japan; cultivar selected in Belgium
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Overview
Berberis thunbergii f. 'Rose Glow' is a rounded, spreading deciduous shrub reaching 4–6 feet (1.2–1.8 m) tall with a spread of 4–6 feet (1.2–1.8 m). Foliage is variegated: new spring growth emerges rosy-pink, then develops irregular splashes of pink, cream, and white against a reddish-purple base as leaves mature. Older leaves darken to predominantly reddish-purple with fading variegation by late summer. Leaves are obovate, 0.8–1.2 inches (2–3 cm) long. Variegation is strongest on new growth flushes, so repeated light pruning promotes continued production of colored shoots. Stems are arching, densely branched, and armed with single sharp spines. Pale yellow flowers 0.2–0.3 inch (5–8 mm) across appear in April–May. Bright red oval berries 0.3 inch (8 mm) long ripen in September–October and persist into winter. Growth rate is moderate at 8–12 inches (20–30 cm) per year. Fall foliage turns orange-red. In partial shade, the pink variegation is less pronounced and the purple base color shifts toward green-purple. Some branches revert to plain purple foliage and progressively dominate the plant without removal. B. thunbergii and its cultivars are listed as invasive or restricted in New York, Pennsylvania, Minnesota, New Hampshire, Maine, Massachusetts, and several other northeastern and midwestern states.
Native Range
The species Berberis thunbergii is native to Japan and possibly eastern China, occurring on mountain slopes, forest margins, and rocky areas. 'Rose Glow' was selected in Belgium in the 1950s.Suggested Uses
Planted in mixed borders, informal hedging, and as a specimen at 3–4 foot (0.9–1.2 m) spacing. The multicolored variegation reads at close viewing distances; at 20+ feet (6+ m) the plant reads as purple-green. Functions as an informal hedge or background shrub. The thorny stems form a barrier. Grows in containers of at least 7 gallons (26 L).How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height4' - 6'
Width/Spread4' - 6'
Reaches mature size in approximately 5 years
Bloom Information
Pale yellow flowers appear in clusters of 1–3 in April–May. Individual flowers are 0.2–0.3 inch (5–8 mm) across. Bloom is sparse and largely concealed by the dense, variegated foliage. Bright red oval berries 0.3 inch (8 mm) long ripen in September–October and persist into winter.Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
Reddish-purple with pink, cream, and white variegation on new growthGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Plant in well-drained soil in full sun for the strongest pink and cream variegation. In partial shade, variegation fades and the purple base color shifts toward green-purple. Tolerates a wide range of soil types including clay, sand, and alkaline soils. Drought-tolerant once established. Occasional pruning of older stems stimulates new growth with stronger variegation. Reverted plain-purple branches outcompete variegated growth and require removal to hold the variegated character. No serious pest or disease problems. B. thunbergii and its cultivars are listed as invasive or restricted in New York, Pennsylvania, Minnesota, and several other states, with sale and planting subject to state regulations.Pruning
Prune in late winter or early spring before leaf-out. Removing one-third of the oldest stems at the base annually promotes vigorous new growth with stronger variegation. Fully reverted (plain purple) stems overtake the plant if left in place; removing them at the base holds the variegated form. Tolerates renovation pruning to 6–12 inches (15–30 cm). Hedging requires 2–3 shearing passes per season. Stems bear single sharp spines that cause puncture wounds on contact.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
winterearly spring
Maintenance Level
lowContainer Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 7 gallons