Berberis thunbergii 'KOBOLD' Japanese barberry

Kobold is another dwarf barberry, this time of a uniquely soft green colour. Its deciduous leaves are small, ovate to elliptic, emerge bright green and mature to only a grade darker grass green, turning vivid orange or almost fiery scarlet red in autumn. In spring appear profusion of tiny, pale yellow flowers that are followed by oblong, glossy, red, edible berries. Branches are spiny. It was patented already in 1971 and has been in cultivation ever since.

Japanese barberry tolerates most soil types provided it is well-drained, and given enough time and some initial care it can even cope with heavy clay. Grow it in full sun for best colour, yet it takes partial shade and full shade, too. It is fully hardy to min. -34°C (USDA zone 4) and suitable for growing in outdoor pots.

Last update 29-07-2014