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Berberis thunbergii 'Helmond Pillar'

Also Known As

Berberis thunbergii var. atropurpurea 'Helmond Pillar'
Helmond Pillar Barberry

Plant type

shrub

size

H: 48"-72"
W: 18"-24"

planting zones

4a-9b

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Berberis thunbergii 'Helmond Pillar' plant details

Berberis thunbergii 'Helmond Pillar' is a broadleaf deciduous shrub with purple foliage. In spring yellow flowers emerge. Attracts bees making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun - mostly sun and regular - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Adapts to various soil conditions. Does well in average, clay, rich and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant and pollution tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Berberis thunbergii 'Helmond Pillar'

Plant type: shrub
Plant family: berberidaceae
Foliage: deciduous purple
Mature size: 18 IN - 24 IN - wide, 48 IN - 72 IN - tall
Flowers: yellow blooms in spring
Uses: columnar, easy-to-grow, showy, spiky

GROWING CONDITIONS for Berberis thunbergii 'Helmond Pillar'

USDA Zones: 4a - 9b
Sun exposure: sun - mostly sun
Watering frequency: regular - low
Resistant to: deer and rabbit, heat and pollution
Soil needs: average, clay, rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Dense and columnar, this special German cultivar should make a fine impenetrable, 4'+/- hedge or fill some narrow landscape cubby-hole. S/M

By: Forestfarm

Beautiful columnar Barberry with really dark, red-purple foliage, upright growth habit, 4-5’ tall and 1-2’ wide. Bright red, elongated berries late summer, fall. Not fussy about soil (but prefers well drained); full sun, occasional moisture. Deer and critter resistant. A nice exclamation point in the garden! Hardly any care required for this lovely.

By: Secret Garden Growers

A profusion of creamy yellow flowers on this refined, airy form creates a showy display in sunny borders and beds. The cheery blooms blanket the airy, green foliage throughout summer, withstanding heat and humidity. Well-suited for containers and hanging baskets.

By: Noname Nursery

We were the first to list B. 'Helmond Pillar' in the 80's. This unusual barberry is an upright column of purple foliage. Needs occasional pruning to keep any wider stems in control. A great foliage color and form to the plant.

By: Gossler Farms

Upright, columnar growing deciduous shrub. Column is narrower at the base than at the top. Leaf color is reddish purple, turning to red in the fall. Great choice for a narrow hedge or planted in groupings. Glossy red berries form in the fall adorning the plant into the winter.

By: Garden World

Bright and tiny yellow blooms in April against deep red-purple foliage make this upright, columnar form striking. It has good red fall foliage and glossy, bright red berries in fall that often persist well into winter. 4-5' tall x 2' wide, max. Oh, yes! Of course it has thorns. Put it where traffic needs to be discouraged and you'll appreciate that attribute more. Deciduous.

By: Dancing Oaks Nursery

Stands out as handsome thorny sentinel in winter. A unique barberry. Best summer color in full sun.

By: Bloom River Gardens

Berberis thunbergii 'Helmond Pillar' Upright Red Japanese Barberry a columnar, upright deciduous shrub with purple-red foliage. Fall color is bright orange to red, and winter berries are red. Prefers full sun in well-drained soil.

By: Kigi Nursery

Very distinct narrow form with reddish-purple leaves that turn brillant red in autumn. Grows to a mature height of 5' tall and less than 2' wide. Great for narrow planting areas.

By: Accents for Home and Garden

This is a striking, unique form just now starting to receive the attention it deserves in the trade. An upright, fastigiate (leaves swirled around the stem) form reaching 8' tall but only 1-2' wide. Forms a slow-growing column of burgundy red leaves. Multi-stemmed, not just a single central leader. Tolerates light shade but will loose some foliage color.

By: Lazy S'S Farm Nursery

A fastigiate version of the familiar purple-leaved barberry. It forms a dense, reddish-purple column. Makes a striking exclamation point, and a pair can serve as bold sentries for a door or gate. Plants take up very little room at ground level. Drought tolerant.