Japanese barberry Berberis thunbergii f. atropurpurea 'Red Pillar'
ABOUT
The plant known as Red Pillar is a striking variety characterized by its unique, vibrant foliage and architectural growth habit. The leaves are a deep, dark reddish-purple, offering a bold contrast to the more common shades of green found in many gardens. These leaves are small, oval-shaped, and have a smooth texture with fine, serrated edges. They are arranged in an alternate pattern along the stems, which gives the plant a dense, clustered appearance. In spring, the Red Pillar bursts into color with small, yellow flowers that provide a delicate contrast to the deep tone of the foliage. These blossoms are tiny, yet they cluster together to create a noticeable display. Following the flowering period, the plant produces bright red, small, bead-like berries that can attract birds and wildlife to the garden. The overall habit of the Red Pillar is upright and columnar, providing a vertical element to landscapes. This growth form allows it to be used effectively as a hedge or as a specimen plant in a garden design, where its striking color can create a focal point. Its branches are dense and twiggy, contributing both texture and color throughout all seasons. During autumn, the leaves may turn an even more intense shade of red before dropping off as the plant prepares for winter. Even without leaves, the stark silhouette of the Red Pillar's branches provides visual interest during the colder months. The bark on the stems and branches is smooth and may have a slightly reddish tinge that complements its overall color scheme. Resilient and adaptable, the Red Pillar provides year-round interest with its colorful foliage, spring flowers, fall berries, and structured growth habit. It is appreciated for both its aesthetic appeal and its functionality within a landscape design.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Red Pillar Japanese Barberry, Red Pillar Barberry.
Common names
Berberis thunbergii 'Red Pillar'
ToxicityTo humans
Japanese barberry, including the cultivar 'Red Pillar', has certain levels of toxicity to humans if ingested. Parts of the plant contain berberine, which is considered toxic. Symptoms of Japanese barberry poisoning might include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and confusion. Prolonged exposure or high doses of berberine may lead to more severe health complications such as kidney damage.
To pets
Japanese barberry can also be toxic to pets if they consume parts of the plant. Similar to humans, the primary toxic compound in the plant is berberine. If a pet ingests Japanese barberry, they may exhibit symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and loss of appetite. Depending on the amount ingested, the health consequences for pets can range from mild gastrointestinal discomfort to more significant issues, including potential kidney damage.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Purple
Flower color
Yellow
Height
4 feet (1.2 meters)
Spread
1 foot 6 inches (0.46 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Japan
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: 'Red Pillar' Japanese barberry features striking reddish-purple foliage that adds color and visual interest to landscapes throughout the growing season.
- Compact Growth: Its narrow, columnar form is ideal for smaller spaces and can be used for hedging or as a focal point in garden design.
- Low Maintenance: This plant is drought tolerant once established, requiring minimal watering and care, and is also resistant to many pests and diseases.
- Year-Round Interest: The foliage, yellow flowers in spring, and bright red berries in fall and winter add multi-seasonal appeal to gardens.
- Wildlife Attraction: While its berries are not the first choice for many birds, they do provide a food source in late winter when other resources are scarce.
- Soil Adaptability: It is adaptable to a wide range of soil types, including clay, loam, and sandy soils, as well as varying soil pH levels.
- Erosion Control: Its dense root system can help stabilize slopes and prevent soil erosion.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Japanese Barberry 'Red Pillar' is often used in landscape designs for its columnar growth habit which provides vertical interest in garden beds and narrow spaces.
- The plant's dense thorny branches can be an effective natural barrier or hedge to deter trespassers and unwanted wildlife from entering garden areas.
- Japanese Barberry 'Red Pillar' is used in bonsai cultivation due to its ability to be pruned and shaped, as well as its attractive foliage.
- The woody stems of the barberry can be used in floral arrangements to add height and a touch of drama with their deep purple-red foliage.
- The plant is suitable for creating a low-maintenance garden due to its drought tolerance once established.
- Japanese Barberry 'Red Pillar' can be incorporated into xeriscaping designs, which aim to reduce or eliminate the need for supplemental water from irrigation.
- Its bright red berries, although not commonly consumed, can provide a food source for birds in the winter, enhancing the wildlife habitat of a garden.
- The leaves of 'Red Pillar' can offer a contrasting backdrop in photography, especially in autumn when they turn striking shades of red and orange.
- Dried branches of Japanese Barberry 'Red Pillar' can be used in crafts or as part of decorative displays, especially during autumn and winter seasons.
- In urban environments, the plant can help reduce noise pollution when used as a dense hedging material along roads or property lines.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Japanese Barberry is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Japanese Barberry is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Protection: Berberis thunbergii, commonly known as Japanese barberry, is often associated with protection due to its thorny branches which can serve as a natural barrier against intruders.
- Resilience: The plant's ability to thrive in various soil types and withstand harsh conditions symbolizes resilience and adaptability.
- Purification: In some cultures, barberry is believed to have purifying qualities, possibly due to its use in traditional medicine and its bright red berries which can evoke a sense of vitality and cleansing.
WaterJapanese Barberry 'Red Pillar' should be watered deeply and thoroughly to encourage root growth; typically, once a week is sufficient, providing about 1 to 1.5 inches of water each time. During hot, dry periods, the frequency may need to increase to twice a week. It's important to avoid shallow watering, which can lead to weak root systems. In winter, reduce watering since the plant requires less moisture due to dormancy. It is critical to ensure that the soil has good drainage to prevent waterlogging, as this can cause root rot.
LightJapanese Barberry 'Red Pillar' thrives best in full sun to partial shade. It should be placed in a location where it receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight a day for optimal foliage color and growth. This plant can tolerate some shade, but too much can result in less vibrant leaf color and sparse growth.
TemperatureJapanese Barberry 'Red Pillar' is hardy and can survive in temperatures as low as -30°F and as high as 100°F. The ideal temperature for this plant ranges between 60°F and 70°F. Proper acclimatization is necessary if there is an extreme change in temperature to prevent shock to the plant.
PruningPrune Japanese Barberry 'Red Pillar' to maintain its shape and promote denser growth. It's best pruned in the late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Pruning can also be done after the plant has flowered to remove any dead or diseased branches and to rejuvenate older plants. This plant doesn't require frequent pruning; once a year is usually adequate.
CleaningNot needed
SoilThe Japanese Barberry 'Red Pillar' prefers well-drained soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. A good soil mix for this plant can be created by combining garden soil, peat moss, and perlite in equal parts to ensure proper drainage and aeration. Amend the soil with compost to provide nutrients and further improve drainage.
RepottingJapanese Barberry 'Red Pillar' does not typically require frequent repotting. It can be repotted every 2 to 3 years or when it is clearly outgrowing its current container, using the early spring season as the best time for this activity to encourage post-repotting growth.
Humidity & MistingJapanese Barberry 'Red Pillar' is tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels and does not have specific humidity requirements. This plant can thrive in the ambient outdoor humidity prevalent in its hardiness zones.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright light, minimal water, and cool temperatures.
Outdoor
Plant in well-draining soil, full sun to part shade.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of Berberis thunbergii f. atropurpurea 'Red Pillar', commonly known as Japanese barberry 'Red Pillar', begins with seed germination, typically in late spring or early summer, after stratification which helps overcome dormancy. Following germination, the seedling emerges and gradually develops into a young shrub, exhibiting the characteristic purple-red foliage. As it matures, 'Red Pillar' reaches its adult form, a columnar shrub up to 2 meters tall, with dense, spiny branches. It blooms in late spring, producing small yellow flowers that are attractive to pollinators. After flowering, it bears bright red oblong berries in late summer to fall, which may persist through the winter and are dispersed by birds and other animals. Lastly, the plant gradually ages and may experience reduced vigor and productivity before eventually dying, completing its life cycle; however, 'Red Pillar' can live for many years with proper care.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Japanese barberry 'Red Pillar' can be propagated through a number of methods, though the most popular method is through softwood cuttings. This type of propagation is typically carried out in late spring to early summer when new growth is soft and flexible. To propagate by cuttings, a gardener would snip off a 4-6 inch (approximately 10-15 cm) section of a healthy branch, making sure it has several sets of leaves. The lower leaves are removed and the cut end of the stem is dipped into rooting hormone before being placed into a well-draining soil mix. The cutting is then kept moist and in a warm environment with indirect light until roots develop, which usually takes several weeks. Once established, the new plant can be transplanted to its permanent location in the garden.
