Japanese Barberry

Japanese Barberry is a dense, round shrub with sharply spined stems. The pale yellow flowers are small and hidden under the leaves. 

Its small leaves are medium green in summer, turning yellow in fall. The flowers mature into red fruit. The stems and thorns are reddish-brown.

Japanese barberry grows best in full sun, and will tolerate a variety of soils. Many cultivars have been developed, many with burgundy and lime green leaves.

This is an adaptable shrub, commonly used in the Colorado Springs area. It has become invasive in the northeast US, but has not become a problem in Colorado.

 

Japanese Barberry

Japanese Barberry is a dense, round shrub with sharply spined stems. The pale yellow flowers are small and hidden under the leaves. 

Its small leaves are medium green in summer, turning yellow in fall. The flowers mature into red fruit. The stems and thorns are reddish-brown.

Japanese barberry grows best in full sun, and will tolerate a variety of soils. Many cultivars have been developed, many with burgundy and lime green leaves.

This is an adaptable shrub, commonly used in the Colorado Springs area. It has become invasive in the northeast US, but has not become a problem in Colorado.

 

Plant details
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Botanic Name

Berberis thunbergii

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Pronunciation

BUR-bur-is thun-BERJ-ee-eye

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Mature Height

4 to 6 ft.

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Mature Spread

4 to 6 ft.

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Water usage
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.

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Flower Color

pale yellow

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Bloom time

late spring to early summer

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Colorado Native

No

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Natural Habitat

Japan

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Light Requirements

sun

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Cold Hardiness

USDA zones 4-8

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Elevation Limit

hardy to 7,500 ft.

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