Barberry

Barberry paints the landscape with arching, fine-textured branches of purple-red or chartreuse foliage. In fall, leaves brighten to reddish orange and spikes of red berries appear like sparklers as the foliage drops. The mounding habit of barberries makes for graceful hedging and barriers, and the thorns protect privacy.

Japanese barberry is considered an invasive plant in the Eastern U.S. and the species is banned from cultivation in some places, so check local restrictions before planting.

Light:

Sun,Part Sun

Zones:

3-9

Plant Type:

Shrub

Plant Height:

To 6 feet tall

Plant Width:

To 7 feet wide

Flower Color:

Yellow/Gold, Red/Purple Leaves, Yellow Leaves, Variegated Leaves

Bloom Time:

Spring

Landscape Uses:

Beds & Borders,Privacy,Slopes,Groundcover

Special Features:

Flowers,Attractive Foliage,Fall Color,Winter Interest,Cut Flowers,Attracts Birds,Drought Tolerant,Deer Resistant,Easy to Grow

Top Varieties

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Crimson Pygmy barberry

Berberis thunbergii 'Atropurpurea Nana' is one of the most commonly grown types. It offers purple foliage through the summer that turns bold red in fall. It grows 3 feet tall and wide. Zones 5-8
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'Dart's Red Lady' barberry

Berberis thunbergii 'Dart's Red Lady' offers dark purple foliage that brightens to shining red in fall. It grows 5 feet tall and wide. Zones 5-8
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Golden barberry

Berberis thunbergii 'Aurea' features chartreuse leaves that cover the slow-growing shrub for season-long color. It grows 5 feet tall and 6 feet wide. Zones 5-8
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'Helmond Pillar' barberry

Berberis 'Helmond Pillar' is a newer selection often used for privacy screens. It grows 5 feet tall but only 2 feet wide. Zones 4-8
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Garden Plans

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Rose-Covered Arbor Garden Plan
Along a Path Garden Plan
Summer-Blooming Front Yard Cottage Garden Plan
Low-Water Garden Plan

Propagation

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Seed
Stem Cuttings