Plant Type

Shrub

 

Height Range

1-3'

 

Flower Color

Yellow

 

Flower Season

Spring

 

Leaf Color

Red

 

Bark Color

Brown

 

Fruit Color

Red

 

Fruit Season

Winter, Fall, Persistent

Sun

Full

 

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

 

Adverse Factors

Thorns/Spines

Design Styles

English Cottage, Formal, Japanese, Mediterranean, Ranch, Spanish, Woodland

 

Accenting Features

Unusual Foliage

 

Seasonal Interest

Winter, Spring, Fall

 

Location Uses

Perennial Border, Shrub Border, Foundation

 

Special Uses

Hedge, Fire Resistant, Small Spaces

 

Attracts Wildlife

n/a

Crimson Pygmy Barberry is a deciduous shrub with arching branches and a dense, mounding habit. New foliage is bright red, turning to a bronzy red to deep green in summer. Autumn color is bright red. Prefers full sun and regular watering; color is less red in shade. Thorns make this shrub well suited as a barrier hedge, though it is of small enough scale to be valuable in a mixed perennial/shrub border.

Best color occurs in full sun. Benefits from regular watering. Prune in late winter to early spring either using the selective or renovating technique, but wear sturdy gloves and long sleeves to protect against the thorns. See tips for pruning information. The thorns make it unsuitable for parkstrips.