Red Leaf Japanese Barberry(Berberis thunbergii )

Sun Needs:

• Full sun to partial shade
• Best foliage color in full sun
• Tolerates a range of light conditions

Bloom Time:

• Mid to late spring
• Small, yellow flowers are subtle but attract pollinators

Size:

Height: 1 to 6 feet (depending on cultivar)
Width: 2 to 6 feet

Attributes:

• Striking red to burgundy foliage
• Bright red berries in fall and winter
• Dense, thorny branches deter deer and make it useful as a barrier
• Drought-tolerant once established
• Popular in ornamental landscaping, but invasive in many regions

Care Tips:

• Prefers well-drained soil; tolerates a wide range of soil types
• Water regularly during establishment; drought-tolerant afterward
• Prune in late winter or early spring to shape and control size
• Wear gloves when handling due to sharp thorns
• Check local regulations before planting

Pest Watch:

• Generally pest-resistant
• May harbor ticks in dense thickets
• Monitor for aphids or scale in some conditions