Also known as Agracejo · Asif · Barberry
Safety note: This plant may be toxic to humans and pets. See toxicity details.
Japanese barberry (Berberis thunbergii) is a thorny, deciduous shrub with vibrant foliage and small red berries, popular in landscaping but invasive in many regions.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun to Partial Shade
75% intensity
Prefers full sun for best foliage color and flowering, but tolerates partial shade.
Moderate
50% intensity
Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings. Reduce watering once established.
Well-drained
50% intensity
Cold Hardy
25% intensity
Thrives in a wide range of temperatures and is very cold-hardy.
Low
25% intensity
Requires minimal fertilization. A light application in spring is usually sufficient.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | Yes 2/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | Yes 3/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
Low toxicity, contains isoquinoline alkaloids. All parts are toxic, especially berries.
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water Japanese barberry regularly, especially during its first year, to establish a strong root system. Once established, it tolerates moderate drought. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
Overwatering can lead to root rot, so ensure good drainage.
Prune Japanese barberry in late winter or early spring before new growth appears. Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches to maintain shape and improve air circulation.
This is also a good time to control size and encourage denser growth. Light shaping can be done after flowering.
Propagate Japanese barberry from softwood cuttings taken in early summer or semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer. Root cuttings in a well-draining medium.
It can also be propagated by seed, but germination can be slow and variable. Layering is another effective method.
Repotting is generally not necessary for established Japanese barberry plants in the ground. For container-grown specimens, repot every 2-3 years in spring before active growth.
Choose a pot slightly larger than the current one and use a well-draining potting mix.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Japanese Barberry (Berberis thunbergii)
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Ranunculales |
| Family | Berberidaceae |
| Genus | Berberis |
| Species | Berberis thunbergii |
Similar in genus Berberis
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
