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Key characteristics

Family: Berberidaceae
Height: 3 to 4 feet
Width: 3 to 4 feet
Flower color: Small, pale yellow flowers
Foliage color: Variegated shades of green, cream, and white in irregular pattern
Bloom time: Mid to late spring
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Water: Low to moderate
Maintenance: Low; prune in late winter or early spring to maintain shape
Growing zone: USDA Zones 4 to 8
Wildlife: Birds, drawn to the small red berries that form in fall

Shrubs

Berberis thunbergii 'Lime Glow'

Lime Glow Japanese Barberry

Berberis thunbergii 'Lime Glow' is a deciduous shrub prized for its vibrant, variegated foliage and dynamic seasonal color changes. The irregularly patterned leaves feature varying shades of green, cream, and white, creating a strikingly luminous effect in the garden. As the growing season progresses, subtle hints of orange and red appear amongst the variegation, enhancing the shrub's visual appeal. Late spring brings small, pale yellow flowers that complement the colorful leaves.

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Water

Low to moderate

Bloom time

Mid to late spring

Find this plant

Works well in

Foundation Plantings
Pathways & Walkways
Borders
Specimen Plants

Companion plants

Catmint · Feather reed grass · Salvias · Coneflowers · Lavender · Sedums

Design tip

Place this colorful shrub where its light foliage can brighten the front of a border or foundation planting. Surround it with deeper greens and simpler foliage, then echo its cream and warm seasonal tones nearby to create a layered, cheerful garden that feels thoughtfully connected.