Plant Type

Broadleaf Evergreen, Shrub

 

Height Range

3-6'

 

Flower Color

Yellow

 

Flower Season

Spring

 

Leaf Color

Green, Dark Green

 

Bark Color

Brown

 

Fruit Color

Red

 

Fruit Season

Winter, Fall, Persistent

Sun

Full, Half

 

Water

Medium, Extra in Summer

 

Growth Rate

Moderate

 

Soil Type

Sandy, Clay, Loam, Rocky, Unparticular

 

Soil Condition

Average, Rich, Poor, Well-drained, Dry

 

Soil pH

Neutral, Basic

 

Adverse Factors

Thorns/Spines

Design Styles

English Cottage, Formal, Japanese, Mediterranean, Ranch

 

Accenting Features

Unusual Foliage

 

Seasonal Interest

Winter, Fall

 

Location Uses

Background, Entry, Shrub Border, Foundation, Walls / Fences

 

Special Uses

Hedge, Fire Resistant, Small Spaces

 

Attracts Wildlife

Birds

'William Penn' is an evergreen barberry with a graceful, upright, arching form that grows about 4 feet tall and 4 to 6 feet wide. It has clusters of bright yellow spring flowers, which are followed by dark red, torpedo-shaped berries that persist into winter and are enjoyed by birds. Leaves are an elongated oval, with slightly toothed margins, and are a dark green. Add it to the shrub or foundation border, or mixed in with ornamental grasses for winter interest. There are some 'William Penn' planted at the Concord Lift Station on Concord Avenue and California Street.

Grow in well drained soil and full sun; will tolerate part shade, though the leaves will lose some color intensity. Tolerates a wide range of soil types, including dry soils; does not tolerate wet soils. See guide for planting instructions. Barberry does not fair well when sheared, but selective pruning in late winter can maintain a nice form and convenient size. See guide for pruning tips.