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Red Pillar barberry (Berberis thunbergii Red Pillar) is a columnar shrub used for decorative purposes. Thunberg's barberry is found naturally in the mountainous regions of Japan and China. Its varieties appeared in Russia around the 50s of the last century.
Description of barberry Red Pillar
The height of the columnar shrub of the Thunberg barberry of the Red Pillar variety is no more than 1.5 m, the diameter of the crown is 0.5 m. The shoots are strong, straight, and as the Red Pillar barberry develops, it acquires a spreading crown, falling apart to the sides. The annual increase is insignificant. Thunberg barberry is densely thorny, so care is required when working with it. The spines are small, but quite sharp.
The leaves of this variety of barberry are red-purple, corresponding to the name Red Pillar, but inside the bush they are darker with a greenish tint. In the autumn months, the color of the leaves changes; the shrub with an orange-red crown becomes bright and elegant.
The hue of Red Pillar barberry foliage changes depending on the season and the availability of sunlight.In shaded areas, the foliage loses its bright color and turns green. Therefore, decorative varieties of Thunberg barberry, which have red or yellow foliage, are grown in well-lit areas.
The beginning of flowering of Thunberg barberry of this variety depends on the region of growth and occurs at the end of May - beginning of June. The flowers on the Red Pillar variety are single or collected in small brushes (up to 6 pieces) of yellow color, with a reddish tint visible on the outside.
The fruits of the Thunberg barberry ripen in the autumn months. The ellipsoidal fruits become red in September-October. This gives the Red Pillar bush additional beauty.
Barberry Thunberg Red Pillar (shown in the photo) is recommended to be grown in regions with a temperate climate. The seedlings are frost-resistant, but in northern conditions they can freeze out. In regions with cold winters, it is necessary to cover not only young shrubs, but also older seedlings of Thunberg barberry.
a brief description of
Before planting your favorite shrub variety, you need to read the description of each of them, for example, Thunberg Red Pillar barberry is used only for decorative purposes, and its fruits are not edible. Recommendations for the care and propagation of Thunberg barberry of the Red Pillar variety will help you create a beautiful design in the garden.
Winter hardiness, drought resistance
Thunberg barberry is a variety with good frost resistance. Red Pillar normally tolerates frosts down to -15 ÷ -20 °C; in regions with colder winters it can be grown provided that the bushes are covered with insulating materials.
The variety is a drought-resistant shrub; in an open sunny area it acquires brightly colored foliage.Only young seedlings are watered weekly to speed up the rooting process. Mature shrubs of this variety can be watered 3-4 times per season.
Productivity and fruiting
The yield indicator for Thunberg barberry does not play a big role. Bushes of this variety are decorative, so they are planted to create a beautiful landscape. Fruit ripening occurs in the autumn months: September, October. The taste of the fruits is bitter, so they are not used as food. Birds feast on the berry harvest. The fruits do not fall all winter.
Resistance to diseases and pests
The variety is highly resistant to diseases and pests. Among insects, moths and aphids can pose a threat, and among diseases, powdery mildew. The Red Pillar variety shows good resistance to rust.
Advantages and disadvantages of the variety
Each variety has its own pros and cons. Barberry Thunberg Red Pillar is distinguished by its beautiful appearance, columnar shape and bright fruits. The main positive qualities of the variety:
- decorativeness. The appearance of the shrub varies depending on the season; the color of the foliage differs in summer and autumn. During the period of fruit ripening, the bush becomes even more elegant and brighter;
- undemanding to soil;
- drought resistance;
- frost resistance; in regions with a temperate climate, shelter for the winter is not required.
The disadvantages include the following:
- the presence of small but sharp thorns;
- loss of columnar shape in an adult plant. The shoots of barberry of this variety begin to disintegrate with age and their appearance changes;
- freezing of young shoots during severe frosts in winter, so in regions with low temperatures, shrubs need shelter.
Reproduction methods
Barberry Thunberg variety Red Pillar can be propagated by several methods:
- seeds;
- cuttings;
- layering;
- dividing the bush.
The seed propagation technology consists of performing the following points:
- In autumn, fully ripened fruits are collected from the branches. Do this before frost sets in;
- The seeds are separated from the pulp, washed in water and placed in a slightly pink solution of potassium permanganate for 30 minutes. The seeds are then dried and stored in a cool, dark place until next autumn;
- in September, the bones are laid out in pre-prepared holes on the site. Deepen the seeds no more than 1 cm, cover with soil;
- in the spring, the bed with seeds is inspected and thinned out; there should be at least 3 cm between adjacent seedlings;
- The shoots grow in the garden bed for two years, then the bushes are transplanted to a permanent place.
Cuttings are performed as follows:
- cuttings are cut from an adult bush, their length should be 10-15 cm;
- the lower leaves are removed, and the upper ones are shortened with scissors;
- cuttings are placed in a solution that promotes root formation - Epin, Kornevin, etc.;
- cuttings are planted in boxes with nutrient soil and transferred to greenhouse conditions;
- To prevent the shoots from suffering from mold and other fungal diseases, the greenhouse is ventilated.
The layering method for the Red Pillar barberry variety is shown in the photo.
To propagate a bush by division, an adult plant at the age of 4–5 years is dug out of the ground, the root is separated with pruners, the wounds are covered with a special solution and the resulting bushes are transplanted into previously prepared holes.
Rules for planting and care
Barberry Thunberg Red Pillar is a light-loving plant, so shady areas are not suitable for growing.The best option is the southern part of the territory, slight partial shade is allowed.
Planting dates are individual and depend on the climatic conditions of the region. In spring, planting is carried out after the ground has thawed and warmed up to +8 ºC, and there is no threat of return frosts. If the shrubs are not grown as a hedge, then at least 1.5 m is left between neighboring Thunberg Red Pillar barberry seedlings. To form a single-row hedge, 4 specimens are planted per 1 meter, for a two-row hedge - 5 pieces. For a single-row fence, a trench is dug, and for a double-row fence, holes are arranged in a checkerboard pattern.
Thunberg barberry seedlings of this variety are undemanding to soil quality, but if the soil is excessively acidified, 200 g of wood ash or 400 g of lime are added per linear meter.
The seating area is prepared in advance:
- The size of the hole should be approximately 40 cm in depth and 50 cm in diameter.
- If the soil is clayey, the hole is further deepened by 10 cm and covered with a layer of pebbles or crushed stone. This layer will serve as drainage.
- A nutrient mixture consisting of 1 part humus and 1 part turf soil is poured into the hole. Add 100 g of superphosphate and sprinkle with earth.
- The roots of the seedling are spread over a mound of earth inside the hole and covered with earth on top, compacting tightly.
- The root collar cannot be covered with soil; it must be at soil level.
- 4–5 buds are left on the plant, the excess length of the shoot is cut off with sharp pruning shears.
- Barberry is watered.
- The tree trunk circle is mulched with peat or improvised materials.
Aftercare
Caring for Thunberg Red Pillar barberry seedlings includes watering, fertilizing, insect protection, winter shelter and pruning.Without these measures, the bush will lose its decorative properties and may die from drought or frost.
Trimming
Pruning of ornamental shrubs is carried out in order to give shape and remove frozen, broken, damaged shoots. Formative pruning is carried out in the autumn, sanitary pruning in the spring and autumn - as damaged branches are identified.
Watering
Barberry Thunberg variety Red Pillar does not need frequent watering. In case of severe drought, the soil is moistened with warm water, which is applied at the root of the plant. After watering, the soil is loosened and mulched.
Top dressing
Nitrogen fertilizers can be fed to barberry no more than once every 3 years. Fertilizers are applied in the spring. Add 25g of urea to 1 liter of warm water.
Before flowering, you can use complex products. In the fall, a solution consisting of 10 g of potassium and phosphate fertilizers is applied under each bush.
It is recommended to use a diluted infusion of mullein or bird droppings as fertilizer. For Thunberg barberry bushes, fertilizing with compost and humus is useful.
Protection from rodents, pests, diseases
In the fall, after mulching the soil with sawdust, spruce branches are laid around the bush, it will protect against rodent invasion.
In the spring, to protect Red Pillar seedlings from aphids, they are sprayed with a soap (1 piece of laundry soap) or tobacco (400 g shag) solution (10 liters of water).
To prevent the invasion of moths, barberry bushes of the Red Pillar variety are treated with special preparations, for example, Decis.
Fungal diseases (powdery mildew) require treatment of the bush with a solution of colloidal sulfur. If the shoots are severely affected, they are cut off and burned.
Preparing for winter
For the first three years, barberry seedlings of this variety must be covered for the winter.In the northern regions, even adult Thunberg barberry bushes must be wrapped with insulation so that young shoots are not damaged by frost. For tying, burlap, lutrasil, and spunbond are used. The resulting cocoon is tied with ropes on top. To protect from snow and wind, you can install a wooden frame.
Conclusion
Barberry Red Pillar is an ornamental shrub used in landscape design. It is planted as hedges and also used in group compositions. It goes well with herbaceous and coniferous seedlings.
