BERBERIS T. HARLEQUIN

Overview & Features

• Berberis thunbergii ‘Harlequin’ is a striking deciduous shrub known for its variegated purple foliage.

• Leaves are deep reddish-purple marbled and splashed with pink and silvery-white.

• Produces small pale yellow flowers in spring.

• Flowers may be followed by glossy red berries in autumn.

• Foliage colour intensifies in full sun and develops warm autumn tones before leaf fall.

• Typically grows 1–1.5 metres in height and spread.

• Thorny stems make it suitable for defensive planting.

• Ideal for borders, feature planting, and colour contrast in mixed schemes.

This variety is prized for its unique marbled foliage and seasonal interest.

Planting & Positioning

• Plant in full sun for the best foliage colour.

• Tolerates light partial shade, though leaf colour may be less vibrant.

• Prefers well-drained soil and adapts to most soil types.

• Avoid prolonged waterlogging.

• Suitable for exposed and urban gardens.

• Dig a hole twice as wide as the rootball and the same depth.

• Plant at the same depth as in the pot and firm gently.

• Space plants 1–1.5 metres apart for full development.

Berberis ‘Harlequin’ is hardy and tolerant once established.

Watering, Feeding & Flowering

• Water regularly during the first growing season to establish strong roots.

• Once established, plants are drought tolerant.

• Avoid excessive watering, especially during winter.

• Feed in early spring with a balanced fertiliser to encourage healthy growth.

• Apply compost annually to maintain soil structure.

• Flowering typically occurs in mid to late spring.

• Red berries may develop in autumn if flowers are pollinated.

Full sun enhances foliage variegation and autumn colour.

Pruning, Maintenance & General Care

• Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape if required.

• Remove any dead, damaged, or crossing stems as needed.

• Can be pruned more firmly in late winter to rejuvenate.

• Wear gloves when pruning due to sharp thorns.

• Mulch annually to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.

• Generally low maintenance and resistant to most pests and diseases.

With full sun and well-drained soil, Berberis thunbergii ‘Harlequin’ will provide bold foliage colour, spring flowers, and seasonal interest year after year

• Size
  3 lt

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

Click & Collect

Can’t wait for delivery? Why not try our FREE Click & Collect service? Simply make your purchase online and collect it from our store located in Croagh Co. Limerick. Our staff will contact you by phone when your order is ready for collection (Please allow 24 hours minimum). When collecting your item, call the store on 069-64084. We will then load into your car as required. This service is available in-store 9am – 6pm Monday – Saturday (No collections on Sundays)

Click here for more information about our shipping conditions.

You can pay your online order either by credit card or via Paypal.
If you have any further questions about the online order payment please contact us via ­069 640 84 or mail.