One of the most attractive and spectacular shrubs is considered to be the leafy barberry Harlequin. However, in addition to the most beautiful leaves, the plant has a large number of thorns, which is why gardeners who have children do not seek to place the plant on a personal plot.
Barberry Harlequin Description
Barberis Thunberg (berberis thunbergii harlequin) is distinguished by its cheerful appearance. The sheet has an original spotty pattern that stands out from afar. An adult plant can grow up to two meters in height. It is worth noting that the plant has a rather thick crown. Its diameter varies from 0.75-1 meters. It has a spreading round shape. Crohn with a rather thick branching. The color of young shoots may be slightly yellowish and differ from the color of the main stem. Barberry is growing slowly. Natural annual growth reaches only 10-15 centimeters.
Barberry Harlequin
Barberry Harlequin edible
The plant adapts perfectly to growth in urban areas. Quite unpretentious appearance, having strong resistance to pests and various diseases. Ideal for landing in such situations:
- planting with other plants;
- as a hedge;
- planting as a single plant;
- Looks great with perennial flowers.
The color of the leaves is mainly red. A spotty shade may be present on the foliage. The average sheet length can be from 1 to 3 centimeters. The length of the prickly rods can reach 1.5 centimeters.
Note! If you plant a plant in a dark place, then it can lose its natural color.
A feature of flowering is that the inflorescences are arranged in one or more pieces. The color of the inflorescences is yellow with a red inside. Active flowering time occurs in May or June. Subsequently, the flowers ripen into small shiny red berries with white veins. Their diameter reaches a maximum of 10 millimeters. The ripening period is September or October.
Planting a plant
To plant the barberry of Thunberg Harlequin, it does not take much time. However, before planting, you need to find out exactly what this plant loves:
- the soil should have an alkaline environment;
- the landing site should be well ventilated with enough light;
- need watering at least 2-3 times a week;
- a monthly top dressing of the soil with trace elements is necessary;
Note! Despite the fact that barberry belongs to the class of frost-resistant plants, young seedlings must be tightly covered with spruce branches or dry grass.
Before buying a seedling for planting, pay attention to the root system. She must be well defined, healthy with shoots. The root system of the seedling should remain in the ground and not show out. If she looks out, then the survival rate of the plant is significantly reduced. It is better to choose a seat in advance. It should be bright and open. In advance, it is necessary to carefully fertilize it and dig it twice, so that the earth is as deeply as possible saturated with minerals and elements.
The key to good growth is the proper planting of barberry. To do this, you must carefully follow all the rules:
- plant in late autumn;
- the depth of the pit should not exceed 60 centimeters;
- put pebbles or broken bricks at the bottom;
- after planting a seedling, sufficient watering is necessary;
- after planting, the young plant must be tied to a peg;
- when planting, pay attention to the root neck. It must be flush with the ground.
Small pebbles
How to care for barberries
It is especially important after planting to organize a care procedure, and in particular: to observe watering standards, feed the soil in a timely manner and trim the plant carefully.
Barberry Harlequin is usually classified as a drought tolerant plant species. Watering an adult plant is necessary only if the temperature is from +30 degrees and the complete absence of rain in the off-season. For irrigation, 5 liters of water is sufficient no more than twice a month. After abundant watering, it is recommended to loosen the soil well and mix with straw or sawdust. Such procedures are necessary to retain moisture in the earth for an extended period. In addition, by decaying, the leaves will be able to form additional fertilizing.
Supplementary fertilizer is the primary basis for the rapid growth of barberry. As a top dressing fit:
- humus;
- compost fertilizers;
- mineral and nitrogen complexes.
For one season it is necessary to carry out the fertilizer procedure at least three times:
- After frost, at the time of laying the kidneys.
- During the period of active flowering.
- At the stage of the appearance of the fruit.
Note! If the seedling is planted less than two years ago, then the need for additional top dressing disappears.
Cut the plant at least three times in one season. Timely cutting of barberry is the key to a beautiful, well-formed bush. The procedure should be carried out with special sharpened scissors.
Gardening scissors
Reproduction and preparation for winter
Shrubs can be propagated in several ways:
- planting with seeds;
- breeding by dividing the bush;
- cuttings.
The simplest and most effective way, of course, include cuttings. The percentage of grown barberries from seeds is quite low. To care for it from scratch requires a lot of time and effort. Deciduous shrubs are best reproduced in May-June.
It is especially important to warm in time for the winter and open the plant in spring. Despite the fact that barberry belongs to the class of cold-resistant, young plants still need additional warming and can not withstand frosts below 30 degrees. The most reliable means of protection are spruce branches or fabric shelters. To remove the covering material is required no earlier than the beginning of spring. As soon as frosts fall to 7-8 degrees, the material must be removed, otherwise the plant will mate and die.
Diseases and Pests
The following pests are particularly active in the edible barberry Harlequin variety:
- moth;
- aphid;
- powdery mildew;
- gray and rusty rot.
Powdery mildew
Use in landscape design and useful properties
Due to its high cold resistance and unpretentiousness, barberry is a favorite among shrubs in landscape design. It is ideal as a solitary arrangement and in group compositions.
In addition to decorative purposes, barberry is appreciated for its useful properties. It produces nutritious and vitamin-rich: jelly, stewed fruit, syrups. It is added as a seasoning to dishes, enhancing the taste. The berry copes with bacteria and viral diseases. It is especially good to take it in the season of colds and patients with hypertension.
Barberry seasoning
Thus, barberry Harlequin is an excellent shrub that will perfectly decorate the yard, and will also be an excellent medicine in the cold season.
