Berberis thunbergii Rosy Rocket - Barberry

Berberis thunbergii 'Rosy Rocket' is a variety of columnar and compact Japanese barberry, with remarkable speckled foliage in dark red, pink, and white. In spring, this variety produces bright red stems covered with deciduous leaves that are smaller than those typical of the species. They turn a flaming pink colour before gradually changing to burgundy and then purple in autumn. They withstand full sun perfectly, unlike other light foliage, and have even more contrasting variegation under these conditions. Its small size and spectacular foliage make it a perfect choice for decorating small gardens as a standalone plant or in a pot. This hardy plant is easy to grow even in partial shade, in dry or clayey soil as long as it is well-drained.

Berberis thunbergii, also known as Japanese barberry, is a bush from the Berberidaceae family native to Japan. It is characterized by a bushy, spreading, and low habit, and its foliage is deciduous or almost evergreen in mild climates. Medium in growth, the 'Rosy Rocket' cultivar will reach 1 m (3.28 ft) in height with a spread of 50 cm (19.7 in) at maturity. The numerous upright branches of this variety have thorns that are difficult to remove, making it an interesting choice for creating small defensive hedges. The foliage is the main asset of this barberry consisting of smaller leaves than other varieties, obovate (ovate, with the upper part of the leaf wider than the lower part), and glossy. When they emerge, they are intensely speckled in dark red, pink, and white, gradually turning burgundy as they mature. In April-May, numerous clusters of 1 to 6 small flowers bloom on 1-year-old stems. The bell-shaped flowers, 1 cm (0.4 in) long, are pale yellow. They are highly nectare-rich and are followed in September-October by small, bright red spherical fruits, 6 to 8 mm (0.2 - 0.3 in) long, which stay on the branches for part of the winter. The foliage takes on a beautiful purple colour before falling.

Japanese barberry is a very adaptable shrub in terms of soil, tolerating pruning very well, and preferring sunny exposures. It is a pity to confine it to the role of a monochrome and anonymous defensive hedge; while it fulfills its role perfectly, its personality is stifled and its naturally graceful habit is completely obscured. Its beautiful foliage, especially in cultivars like 'Rosy Rocket', deserves a prominent place in front of larger shrubs with pink flowers (Kolkwitzia, Abelia, Abeliophyllum distichum Roseum), red flowers (Japanese quince, roses, Weigela), or even yellow to orange flowers (Japanese rose, Genista Lena Orange, Honeysuckle Dropmore Scarlett). It can also be combined with the grey foliage of shrubby Artemisias or Convolvulus cneorum. This shrub can be planted in large rockeries to cover slopes or highlight the edge of a pathway. It can also be grown in a large container to decorate a terrace or balcony, surrounded by trailing plants and less showy shrubs.