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Royal Cloak Japanese Barberry
Berberis thunbergii 'Royal Cloak'
Height: 5 feet
Spread: 5 feet
Sunlight:
Hardiness Zone: 4a
Description:
A showy, fast growing variety with extra large burgundy, velvety foliage on a fountain like form; a great backdrop to brightly colored plants; effective as a hedge or barrier
Ornamental Features
Royal Cloak Japanese Barberry has attractive burgundy deciduous foliage on a plant with an upright spreading habit of growth. The large oval leaves are highly ornamental and turn an outstanding red in the fall. It features tiny clusters of yellow flowers hanging below the branches in mid spring.
Landscape Attributes
Royal Cloak Japanese Barberry is a dense multi-stemmed deciduous shrub with an upright spreading habit of growth. Its relatively fine texture sets it apart from other landscape plants with less refined foliage.
This is a relatively low maintenance shrub, and can be pruned at anytime. Deer don't particularly care for this plant and will usually leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration;
- Spiny
Royal Cloak Japanese Barberry is recommended for the following landscape applications;
- Accent
- Mass Planting
- Hedges/Screening
- General Garden Use
Planting & Growing
Royal Cloak Japanese Barberry will grow to be about 5 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 5 feet. It tends to fill out right to the ground and therefore doesn't necessarily require facer plants in front, and is suitable for planting under power lines. It grows at a fast rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 20 years.
This shrub should only be grown in full sunlight. It does best in average to evenly moist conditions, but will not tolerate standing water. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. This is a selected variety of a species not originally from North America.