Creeping Barberry
Creeping barberry is a low-growing Rocky Mountain native shrub. It is mainly grown as a groundcover since it spreads through underground stems.
This shrub has spiny, leathery evergreen leaves that turn red in fall. In spring, it produces clusters of yellow flowers that turn into dark blue berries.
It can grow under the shade of ponderosa pine trees if given extra water periodically.
Creeping Barberry
Creeping barberry is a low-growing Rocky Mountain native shrub. It is mainly grown as a groundcover since it spreads through underground stems.
This shrub has spiny, leathery evergreen leaves that turn red in fall. In spring, it produces clusters of yellow flowers that turn into dark blue berries.
It can grow under the shade of ponderosa pine trees if given extra water periodically.
Plant details
Botanic Name
Berberis amplectens
Pronunciation
BEHR-ber-is am-PLECT-ens
Mature Height
8 to 12 in.
Mature Spread
to 3 ft., spreads by underground stems
Water usage
One Droplet: Water twice per month or less, once established.
Two Droplets: Water about once per week, once established.
Three Droplets: Water about twice per week, once established.
Flower Color
yellow
Bloom time
May
Colorado Native
Yes
Natural Habitat
western United States
Light Requirements
full sun to part shade
Cold Hardiness
USDA zones 5-8
Elevation Limit
hardy to 10,000 ft.
Performance
Creeping barberry has grown at the Water Wise Demonstration Garden for many years. It has performed best in part-shade locations to protect the leaves from drying out in the winter.
It looks great planted with pasque flower, which blooms about the same time.
Maintenance
None generally needed.