Plant Type

Shrub

 

Height Range

1-3'

 

Flower Color

Yellow

 

Flower Season

Spring

 

Leaf Color

Red

 

Bark Color

Brown, Red

 

Fruit Color

Red

 

Fruit Season

Winter, Fall, Persistent

Sun

Full

 

Water

Low, Medium

 

Growth Rate

Slow

 

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

Fall Color, Unusual Foliage

 

Seasonal Interest

Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall

 

Location Uses

Perennial Border, Shrub Border, Foundation, Patio

 

Special Uses

Hedge, Fire Resistant, Small Spaces

 

Attracts Wildlife

Birds

This is a Japanese barberry cultivar that is a selection of 'Crimson Pygmy' chosed for its deeper red, nearly velvety color which holds well in the heat of the summer. Fall color is a deep, nearly black red. It has a dense, mounding form and grows about 2 feet tall and 3 feet wide. Yellow spring flowers are followed by shiny red, torpedo-shaped berries that ripen in fall and persist into winter; enjoyed by birds. Use this little barberry in the perennial border, or near the fron of the shrub or foundation border. It would also be a great color and textural contrast to larger ornamental grasses.

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.