Compact Japanese Barberry Hedge (Berberis Thunbergii 'Japenese')

Compact Barberry Hedge Plants Description

Berberis thunbergii, commonly known as Japanese Barberry, is a compact and slow-growing plant, making it ideal for low hedges up to 1 metre in height. Its prickly nature offers an effective alternative to Box hedging (Buxus sempervirens), particularly for those dealing with Box blight in their garden. For more low-growing hedging options and alternatives to Box hedging, please refer to our dedicated sections, including our Box Blight and Box Hedge Guide.

Berberis thunbergii is a deciduous plant with green leaves, yellow flowers in the spring, and red, jewel-like fruits that appear in late autumn. These hardy hedging plants are easy to grow and thrive in nearly any soil type and situation, including coastal areas, although they prefer full sun or partial shade. Pruning should be done after flowering to maintain the hedge's shape. For a comprehensive overview of our Berberis options, please see our ultimate guide to Berberis hedging plants.

For those seeking a slightly taller hedge with purple or red leaves, consider Berberis Red Leaf. Alternatively, for a hedge with variegated pink and cream foliage, Berberis 'Rose Glow' is an excellent choice. We also offer a variety of evergreen hedging plants, hedges with berries, and hedges featuring colourful foliage.

The Berberis species is ideal for security hedging due to its thorny or spiny nature, which serves as an effective intruder deterrent, while also providing aesthetic appeal. To explore our full range of security hedging species, please visit our Intruder Proof Hedging page.

Prices are listed per plant. Planting density is flexible; for bare-root plants, 3 per metre is sufficient, 5 per metre is recommended, and 7 per metre will create a dense hedge more quickly. Pot-grown plants come with suggested planting densities, which can be adjusted according to your budget and patience level.

Pot-grown plants are available year-round, while bare-root plants are available from November to late April or early May.

Pruning Advice

Berberis thunbergii hedge trimming should be done immediately after flowering.

Further Information

Our recommended planting densities for each size and root type are listed in the product grid. These should be used as a guide when considering the time you are willing to wait for your hedge to achieve its full appearance. As a general indication, bare root plants can be spaced at 3 to 7 per metre, while cell-grown plants can be spaced between 4 and 6 per metre. For higher densities, consider planting in a double staggered row or a zig-zag pattern.

Delivery & Returns

Free delivery is available on most orders (except Premium Products) providing they meet the minimum spend criteria for the size of box or pallet. Pallet deliveries and large box deliveries for tall plants are indicated by icons on the product table listings. Delivery costs and minimum order details for each packaging type are as follows:

* Standard Sized Boxes (Bare root up to 1.2m tall & pots up to 7.5L) | Free UK Mainland Delivery for orders over £100 | or £7.99 charge.

* Tall Sized Boxes (Bare roots 1.2m & over) | Free UK Mainland Delivery for orders over £100 | or £14.99 charge.

* Pallets (Root balls, large pots 10L+, trees etc | Free UK Mainland Delivery for orders over £350 | or £60 charge.

* Pleached Trees (Specialist Delivery) | Free UK Mainland Delivery for orders over £1500 | or £450 charge.