Berberis thunb. 'Summer Chocolate'? - 15-20 CM P9

Description
The Japanese barberry 'Chocolate Summer' (Berberis thunbergii) is a loose, overhanging small shrub with decorative, coral-red fruits that stay on for a very long time. It produces yellow flowers in May. The Japanese barberry 'Chocolate Summer' also has egg-shaped, dark reddish-brown leaves. In a sunny to semi-shady location with well-drained, humus-rich, acidic soil, it usually reaches a height of approx. 1.2 m and grows to a width of approx. 60 cm.

Bulletpoints
* Fruiting ornament * beautiful foliage * suitable for flowering hedges * the flowers are highly favoured by bees, bumblebees and hoverflies * attractive scarlet autumn colouring * tolerates pruning * easy to care for * drought-resistant, resistant to urban climates, wind-resistant

leaves
High leaf ornamental value. The deciduous leaves of the Japanese barberry 'Chocolate Summer' are dark reddish brown, ovate, alternate. They are about 3 - 4 cm in size. Japanese barberry 'Chocolate Summer' turns a bright scarlet red in autumn.

Bark
Red-brown bark makes this plant an eye-catcher in any garden.

Spread
China to Japan.

Frost hardiness
The Japanese barberry 'Chocolate Summer' has good frost hardiness.

Growth
Japanese barberry 'Chocolate Summer' is a small shrub that grows loosely and overhanging. It usually reaches a height of 1 - 1.2 m and grows to a width of approx. 50 - 60 cm.

Water
The plant has a medium water requirement.

Pruning
This plant is tolerant of pruning.

Location
Preferred location in a sunny to semi-shady position.

Soil
Berberis thunbergii 'Chocolate Summer' thrives on all acidic, humus-rich and sufficiently moist soils.

Planting time
Container plants can be planted all year round, except when the soil is frozen and in summer heat (over 30°C).

Tasks
- Mulching: In the period from March to April.

Care
A slow-release fertiliser can be used in spring. This releases the nutrients slowly and continuously so that the plant is evenly supplied over a longer period of time.

Flower
The yellow flowers appear in May.

Fruit
The coral-red fruits of Berberis thunbergii 'Chocolate Summer' are particularly decorative. These appear from September. Sticks for a very long time.

Worth knowing
Plant or parts of the plant are poisonous.

Use
Ornamental shrub, bee pasture, hedge

Shoots
The shoots of Berberis thunbergii 'Chocolate Summer' are spiny.

Root
Berberis thunbergii 'Chocolate Summer' is a shallow-rooting plant and, depending on the soil, forms densely branched roots.