Berberis thunbergii Kelleriis

The Berberis thunbergii 'Kelleriis' (or 'Kelleris') is a variety of barberry that is attractive for its colourful foliage. Its small leaves are variegated with cream white, sometimes with a touch of pink, and when autumn arrives, they take on warm shades of red and orange. Its discreet yellow spring flowering is followed by the formation of bright red berries in September. The compact dimensions of this bush and its ball-shaped habit make it easy to integrate into a diverse flower bed. It is easy to grow, adapts to most situations, and tolerates pruning well, especially if planted in a container.

Berberis is one of the 14 genera in the Berberidaceae family, also known for Mahonia, Nandina (sacred bamboo), and Epimedium's architectural and colourful flowers. There are 450 to 500 species of Berberis, a highly diversified genus of deciduous or evergreen shrubs. Recognisable by its yellow wood, Berberis gets its name from the Arabic word "berberys" which refers to its fruit. Depending on the species, it is ornamental for its foliage, often beautifully coloured, flowers, and sometimes even thorns! The Berberis thunbergii, also known as Thunberg's barberry or Japanese barberry, is a shrub native to Japan that was introduced to Europe as early as 1864. The typical species is characterised by a compact and regular habit, reaching a height of 1.50 m.

The 'Kelleriis' variety is appreciated for both its rather architectural habit and, above all, its foliage. This small shrub naturally forms a ball shape of approximately 1.20 m in diameter. The thin, well-branched branches are very dense. The plant has a spreading form, with upright branches in the centre that bend and spread out on the edges, eventually forming a very dense sphere with slightly irregular contours depending on the respective vigour of the branches. The leaves are grouped in pairs or threes at each node, and each of these layers also has a relatively short and thin but still prickly thorn. Relatively small, the leaves measure approximately 3 cm long and have a spatulate to obovate shape, with the widest part being in the third farthest from the petiole. The foliage is a beautiful bright green mottled irregularly with cream-white, giving it a very luminous appearance and allowing for stunning colour combinations with plants with dark foliage. It sometimes also has pink speckles that add to its ornamental interest. Maintaining this showy appearance throughout the growing season, it offers a fireworks display of pink, red, and orange in autumn before finally falling to the ground.
In spring, around April-May, this small shrub produces small yellow flowers that are relatively inconspicuous but still pleasant. Numerous clusters of one to six small bell-shaped flowers bloom on one-year-old stems. Very nectariferous, they develop into bright red fruits measuring 6 to 8 mm long in autumn, which persist on the branches for quite some time in winter.

This small barberry can be planted in a container to enhance a terrace. It adapts to all growing conditions, enjoying the full sun and tolerating partial shade. As it tolerates pruning very well, it can easily be maintained at the desired size. In the garden, it will be perfect when integrated into a diverse flower bed alongside purple or dark green foliage and flowering shrubs. The Cotinus coggygria 'Winecraft Black' will provide a contrast with its round-shaped and dark purple leaves. Its fluffy, large panicle flowers are also beautiful, and its red and orange autumn colours will complement those of your small barberry. For its staggered white flowering and attractive dark green foliage that will enhance the 'Kelleriis' foliage, opt for a Laurustinus (Viburnum tinus), whose evergreen vegetation remains ornamental in winter. And to create an attractive spot of colour in spring, nothing beats a broom such as Cytisus scoparius 'Goldfinch' with its bright yellow-orange and red flowers.