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
Botanic Name
Berberis thunbergii
Pronunciation
BUR-bur-is thun-BERJ-ee-eye
Mature Height
4 to 6 ft.
Mature Spread
4 to 6 ft.
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
pale yellow
Bloom time
late spring to early summer
Colorado Native
No
Natural Habitat
Japan
Light Requirements
sun
Cold Hardiness
USDA zones 4-8
Elevation Limit
hardy to 7,500 ft.
Performance
Several of these shrubs are growing in the low water zone at the Water Wise Demonstration Garden. They have been resilient to drought. In addition, the fruit is showy and remains throughout the winter.
Maintenance
Prune out dead branches as needed.