How to Grow Berberis Rose Glow - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2025

Berberis rose glow is a delightful, deciduous shrub with masses of pretty pale pink flowers which appear in early summer against a backdrop of small, glossy, dark green leaves. A well-drained soil in sun or partial shade is all that's needed to keep this easy-to-grow plant happy.

How to Grow Berberis Rose Glow - Plant Care & Tips

Also called

  • Berberis thunbergii 'Rose Glow'
  • Red barberry
  • Japanese barberry
  • Wintergreen barberry
  • Siberian barberry

Common Knowledge

  • Berberis rose glow is a deciduous shrub.
  • It is native to Europe and Asia.
  • The leaves are alternate, obovate, and have prickly serrated margins.
  • The flowers are small, yellow, and borne in clusters.
  • The fruit is a small, red berry.
  • Berberis rose glow prefers full sun and well-drained soil.
  • It is tolerant of drought and salt.
  • The shrub can be pruned to shape.
  • It is deer resistant.
  • Berberis rose glow makes an excellent hedge or accent plant.

Related plant:
Berberis Thunbergii Maria

Growing Steps

  1. For berberis rose glow, first step is to find a well-draining spot in your garden that receives at least six hours of sunlight each day.
  2. Next, turn the soil in the planting area to a depth of about 12 inches (30 cm), then mix in a 2-inch (5 cm) layer of compost.
  3. Next, you will need to obtain berberis rose glow seedlings or cuttings from another plant.
  4. If using seedlings, plant them in the prepared soil at a spacing of about 2 feet (60 cm) apart.
  5. If using cuttings, make sure each cutting has at least two sets of leaves, then plant them in the prepared soil at a spacing of about 1 foot (30 cm) apart.
  6. Water the planting area thoroughly, then keep the soil moist but not wet throughout the growing season.
  7. Fertilize the plants every two weeks using a balanced fertilizer such as 10-10-
  8. In late summer, prune the plants to encourage new growth and to control their size.
  9. In late fall, mulch the plants with a 2-inch (5 cm) layer of straw or other organic material.
  10. Berberis rose glow plants will typically bloom in late spring or early summer.

Related plant:
Berberis Orange Rocket

The Soil

About soil , it prefers rich, well drained soil, but can also tolerate poorer soils. It is important to ensure that the soil is not too wet, as this can cause the roots to rot. If you are planting in a pot, make sure that the pot has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.

Light requirement

Similar to other sun-loving plants, berberis rose glow needs at least six hours of direct sunlight per day to maintain its vibrant coloration. If you live in an area with limited sunlight, you can supplement berberis rose glow's needs with artificial light.

The Temperature

The temperature condition of berberis rose glow is warm. It can tolerate some shade, but does best in full sun. It is not too particular about soil type, but does best in well-drained soil. It is a drought-tolerant plant once established.

Humidity Aspect

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is around 40%. It is best to keep the soil moist, but not soggy. If the conditions are too dry, the leaves will start to turn brown and drop off. too much moisture will cause the roots to rot.

The Fertilizer

For the fertilizer, this family of plant requires a lot of Potash and Phosphorous but little Nitrogen. The rose glow berberis prefers a well drained soil but will grow in most soil types. It is drought tolerant once established. This plant does not like "wet feet" and will not tolerate extended periods of wet soils. It is best to plant on a mound to insure good drainage. If you must plant in an area that does not have good drainage, amend the planting hole with coarse sand or gravel to improve drainage. The root system is very fibrous and does not tap very deeply into the soil so it is best to mulch around the plant to help retain moisture and keep the roots cool.

About light

Pruning is an important part of keeping your Berberis rose glow healthy and looking its best. You'll need to prune away any dead or damaged branches, as well as any branches that are crossing or rubbing against each other. You can also prune to shape the plant or to encourage new growth. Be sure to use sharp, clean pruning shears to avoid damaging the plant.

About Propagating

Propagation is best done in the spring, by taking stem cuttings from the previous year's growth. Cuttings should be taken from young, healthy stems and should be around 10-15cm in length. Place the cuttings in a propagator or covered container filled with moistened perlite or vermiculite. The cuttings should be placed so that the lower leaves are just above the surface of the perlite/vermiculite. Place the propagator in a warm, light position, out of direct sunlight. Keep the perlite/vermiculite moistened, but not waterlogged. After around 8 weeks, the cuttings should have rooted and can be transplanted into pots of compost.

Growth Speed

Usually, the plant growth rate is considered to be slow when compared to other plants. However, there are some reports that show that the plant can reach up to 2 feet in height within a single growing season. The plant typically blooms in the summer months.

Common Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are dehydration, over-exposure to sunlight, and under-fertilization. If any of these problems are left untreated, the plant will eventually die. To prevent these problems, it is important to water the plant regularly, provide it with shade during the hottest hours of the day, and fertilize it with a balanced fertilizer every two weeks.

Tips on Growing

  • Remember to water your Berberis rose glow regularly, as it will not tolerate drought conditions.
  • Apply a balanced fertilizer to the soil around your plant every few weeks.
  • Prune your Berberis rose glow regularly to encourage new growth and maintain its shape.
  • Place your plant in an area that receives full sun for best results.
  • Be sure to protect your Berberis rose glow from frost during the winter months.
  • Water your plant deeply, but avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.
  • Keep an eye out for pests such as aphids and scale, which can damage your plant.
  • Harvest Berberis rose glow berries when they are ripe, typically in late summer or early fall.
  • The berries can be eaten fresh, used in jams or pies, or dried for future use.
  • Enjoy your Berberis rose

Substitution

  • Berberis rose glow.
  • Berberis thunbergii rose glow.
  • Berberis x oblongifolia rose glow.
  • Mahonia bealei rose glow.
  • Berberis thunbergii rose glow.
  • Berberis x ottawensis rose glow.
  • Rhodotypos scandens rose glow.
  • Kerria japonica rose glow.
  • Berberis pinnata rose glow.
  • Berberis thunbergii rose glow.

Source:
Berberis triacanthophora - North Carolina State University
Berberis thunbergii 'Rosy Glow' habit: UIPLANTS
Berberis thunbergii var. atropurpurea - North Carolina State …

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Reviewed & Published by Richelle
Submitted by our contributor
Shrubs Category