Sunjoy Sequins® Japanese Barberry

Berberis thunbergii 'Arlene'

Proven Winners®

$26⁹⁹

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Plant Size

Quart Container #2 Container

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Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: Provide at least six hours of direct sunlight for the most vibrant variegation and pink tones. Plants grown in partial shade will still perform well but foliage color becomes more muted with less contrast.

Soil: Thrives in average, well-drained soil but adapts to clay, sandy, or rocky conditions. For heavy clay, work in compost to improve drainage. Avoid wet, soggy sites where roots may struggle.

Watering Requirements

Water deeply twice weekly during the first growing season to establish a strong root system. Once established, Sunjoy Sequins® tolerates dry conditions and typically needs water only during prolonged drought. Consistent moisture during summer keeps foliage looking its best and enhances the pink tones.

Pruning Tips

Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges. Shape as needed to maintain the compact mounded form, removing up to one-third of older stems at the base to encourage fresh growth. This barberry blooms on old wood, so pruning after spring means sacrificing flowers, though they're less significant than the foliage.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring as new growth begins. A second light feeding in midsummer encourages vibrant foliage color through fall. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers which promote excessive green growth and reduce the cream and pink variegation that makes this plant special.

Delivery and Shipping

Preorder Shipping Schedule

We ship your plants when it's safe to transport them to your zone. Dates are estimated and subject to weather delays.

Zone 3-4	Week of March 30th
Zone 5	Week of March 16th
Zone 6-12	Week of March 2nd

Shipping Rates

Ships in 3-4 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

Photo courtesy of Proven Winners - www.provenwinners.com

Sunjoy Sequins® Japanese Barberry (Berberis thunbergii 'Sunjoy Sequins') puts on a show of ever-shifting color with cream-edged leaves splashed with pink, coral, and green tones. This Proven Winners® selection stays compact at just 2-3 feet tall and wide, making it the perfect solution for small gardens, foundation plantings, or anywhere you need bold foliage interest without the bulk of larger shrubs.

A Living Kaleidoscope

New spring growth emerges with the brightest cream and pink tones, creating a shimmering effect in the landscape. Throughout summer, the variegated leaves display an intricate mix of cream, green, and coral-pink that shifts with light and temperature. The pink tones intensify during cooler weather in spring and fall, giving you dynamic color that changes week to week rather than staying static all season.

Low Maintenance Landscape Workhorse

Deer walk right past this thorny shrub, making it ideal for properties where browsing is a concern. The naturally compact, rounded form requires minimal pruning to stay tidy. Drought tolerance once established means you're not tied to the hose all summer, and the plant shrugs off the kind of neglect that would send fussier shrubs into decline.

Design Versatility

The small stature opens up planting possibilities that larger barberries can't match. Use it as a colorful low hedge along walkways where the variegation provides year-long interest, mass several together for bold drifts of multicolored foliage, or tuck it into mixed borders where it provides structure without overwhelming perennials. The compact size also makes Sunjoy Sequins® an excellent container plant for patios and entryways where you want season-long color.

Why Choose Sunjoy Sequins®

This is a barberry for the modern garden where space is precious and maintenance time is limited. You get the deer resistance and toughness barberries are known for in a compact package that won't outgrow its space or require constant shearing. The cream and pink variegation brings a level of sophistication that solid-colored varieties lack, and the ever-changing foliage tones mean the plant looks different every time you walk by.

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Growing Zones 4-8

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Frequently Asked Questions

Will Sunjoy Sequins® Barberry spread or take over my garden?

No, this compact barberry stays in a tidy 2-3 foot mound and doesn't spread by runners or aggressive seeding. The naturally rounded form keeps it contained exactly where you plant it.

How is Sunjoy Sequins® different from other barberries?

The cream and pink variegated foliage sets it apart from solid green or burgundy varieties. It's also more compact than many older barberry cultivars, topping out at just 2-3 feet instead of 4-6 feet, making it better suited for small gardens and tight spaces.

Does this barberry have thorns?

Yes, like all Japanese barberries, Sunjoy Sequins® has small thorns along the stems. This makes it deer resistant but means you'll want to plant it away from high-traffic areas and wear gloves when pruning.

Can I grow Sunjoy Sequins® in a container?

Absolutely. The compact size and moderate growth rate make it ideal for containers. Use a pot at least 18 inches wide with drainage holes, quality potting mix, and expect to water more frequently than in-ground plants. Container plants will need winter protection in zone 4.

Sunjoy Sequins® Japanese Barberry