Barberry (Berberis spp.)

Sun Needs:

• Full sun to partial shade
• Best foliage color in full sun
• Tolerates light shade but may become leggy
• Adaptable to a range of light conditions

Bloom Time:

• Spring
• Small, yellow flowers appear in clusters
• Followed by red or blue-black berries in fall

Size:

Height: 2 to 6 feet (varies by species and cultivar)

• Dwarf varieties: 1–3 feet
• Larger types: up to 6 feet

Width: 2 to 6 feet. Naturally rounded or spreading habit.

Attributes:

• Colorful foliage in shades of red, burgundy, gold, and green
• Thorny branches make it ideal for barrier plantings
• Drought-tolerant once established
• Deer-resistant and low-maintenance
• Berries provide food for birds

Care Tips:

• Plant in well-drained soil; tolerates poor soils
• Water regularly during establishment, then only during dry spells
• Prune in late winter or early spring to shape or rejuvenate
• Mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds

Pest watch:

• Generally pest-free, but watch for aphids and scale

Note: Some species (especially Berberis thunbergii) are considered invasive in parts of the U.S.—check local guidelines before planting