Sunjoy Sequins® Japanese Barberry

Berberis thunbergii 'Arlene'

Proven Winners®

Variegated Foliage Shifts from Pink to Coral to Cream Throughout the Season
Cold Hardy: Thrives in Zones 4-8
Grows 2-3 ft Tall, 3-4 ft Wide
Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Heat Tolerant
Showy Yellow Blooms in Late Spring

$26⁹⁹

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Plant Size

Quart Container #2 Container

Product variants

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

Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 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

Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

Plant specifications
Plant Characteristics	Cold hardy, Low Maintenance, Deer-resistant, Drought resistant, Fall Color/Interest, Fast-growing, Attracts pollinators
Hardiness Zone	4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b
Sunlight	Full sun, Partial shade
Height	2-3 ft
Width	3-4 ft
Watering Needs	Moderate
Preferred Soil	Clay, Loamy, Sandy
Growth Rate	Moderate
Growth Habit	Bushy
Blooms In	Spring
Flower Color	Yellow
Foliage Color	Variegated, Green, Other, Red
Pet Safety	Toxic to pets
Suitable Space	Outdoors
Plant Name	Barberry
Botanical Name	Berberis thunbergii 'Arlene'
Species	thunbergii
Cultivar	Arlene
Class	Magnoliopsida
Does Not Ship To	AK, CT, HI, ID, IN, KS, ME, MN, MT, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NY, PA, PR, RI, SD, VT, WA, WI, WV, WY

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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Frequently Asked Questions

What USDA hardiness zones can Sunjoy Sequins® Japanese Barberry survive in?

Sunjoy Sequins® Japanese Barberry thrives in USDA zones 4-8, handling temperatures down to -30°F. This cold hardy shrub performs best where it experiences seasonal temperature changes that intensify its pink coloration in spring and fall.

Is this a fast-growing or slow-growing shrub and how much growth can I expect per year?

Sunjoy Sequins® Japanese Barberry is a slow to moderate grower, typically adding 4-6 inches per year until reaching its mature size of 2-3 feet. Its naturally compact habit means you won't need frequent pruning to control size. Shop at Nature Hills for this low-maintenance shrub.

Is this plant deer resistant and will it withstand browsing damage?

Yes, Sunjoy Sequins® Japanese Barberry is highly deer resistant due to its thorny branches that deter browsing. Deer consistently avoid this shrub, making it an excellent choice for properties with heavy deer pressure. Use it in vulnerable areas like foundation plantings where other plants get damaged, available at naturehills.com.

Sunjoy Sequins® Japanese Barberry

Berberis thunbergii 'Arlene'