Plant Type

Shrub

 

Height Range

3-6'

 

Flower Color

Yellow

 

Flower Season

Spring

 

Leaf Color

Purple, Red

 

Bark Color

Brown, Red

 

Fruit Color

Red

 

Fruit Season

Winter, Fall, Persistent

Sun

Full

 

Water

Medium, Extra in Summer

 

Growth Rate

Slow

 

Soil Type

Sandy, Clay, Loam, Rocky, Unparticular

 

Soil Condition

Average, Rich, Poor, Well-drained, Dry

 

Soil pH

Neutral, Basic

 

Adverse Factors

Thorns/Spines

Design Styles

English Cottage, Formal, Japanese, Mediterranean, Ranch

 

Accenting Features

Fall Color, Unusual Foliage

 

Seasonal Interest

Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall

 

Location Uses

Background, Entry, Perennial Border, Shrub Border, Foundation, Walls / Fences

 

Special Uses

Hedge, Fire Resistant, Small Spaces

 

Attracts Wildlife

Birds

'Helmond Pillar' is a variety of Japanese barberry, with a narrow, slightly vase-shaped habit growing about 3 to 4 feet tall but only about 12 to 18 inches wide. It has small, bell-shaped yellow spring flowers that are followed by red, torpedo-shaped berries enjoyed by birds. The leaves are burgundy, with a brighter red fall color. Its narrow habit makes it well suited as a hedge or for lining a fence (if you line a walkway, set it back abit or you'll skewer your visitors).

Grow in well drained soil and full sun; will tolerate part shade, though the leaves will lose some color intensity. Tolerates a wide range of soil types, including dry soils; does not tolerate wet soils. See guide for planting instructions. Barberry does not fair well when sheared, but selective pruning in late winter can maintain a nice form and convenient size. See guide for pruning tips.