Items 1 to 17 of 17 total
Items 1 to 17 of 17 total
Barberry
Uses:
- Hedges
- Privacy Screens
- Foundation Plantings
Features:
- Fall Foliage Color
- Showy Berries
- Deer Resistant
Sunlight:
- Partial Shade to Full Sun
- 3+ Hours of Direct Sun
Growing Zones:
- 4-8
- What is My Zone?
Barberries are easy-to-care-for evergreen or deciduous shrubs in a range of incredible foliage colors. These shrubs produce yellow flowers in the spring that mature into bright berries.
About Barberry
Genus
Species
Family
Berberis
Numerous species, including Berberis thunbergii (Japanese Barberry), Berberis vulgaris (Common Barberry), Berberis darwinii (Darwin’s Barberry)
Berberidaceae
Common Names:
Pepperidge Bush, Jaundice Berry, Holy Thorn
Native To:
Asia, Europe, North Africa, North and South America
Plant Type:
Bushes
Foliage Type:
Deciduous
USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
4 to 8
Flower Color:
Yellow, Orange
Flower Bloom Time:
Spring
Growth Habit:
Dense, Arching, Spreading
Attracts:
Birds, Pollinators (bees, butterflies)
Tolerates:
Drought, Poor Soil, Pollution, Shade
Resists:
Deer, Disease
How To Use Barberry In The Garden
Barberry shrubs are known for their dense growth and thorny branches, making them effective natural barriers. The many cultivars offer an array of leaf colors—from green and gold to burgundy—and many produce persistent red berries. This durable shrub wards off deer with needle-sharp thorns and readily adapts to different soils and dry periods. Many gardeners appreciate its compact growth and tolerance of pruning for hedges or accents.
Their dense, thorny structure makes them suitable for creating hedges or borders, providing both aesthetic appeal and security. Barberries are also adaptable to various planting schemes, including foundation plantings, containers, shade gardens, and mixed borders. Their ability to withstand urban pollution and resistance to deer browsing further enhance their versatility in diverse landscapes.
Barberry Care
Barberry bushes should be planted in well-draining, average-quality soil. For optimal foliage color, select a location that receives full sunlight; however, barberries can also grow in partial shade. Newly planted barberries require consistent watering during their first growing season, and only need occasional watering during prolonged dry periods thereafter. Applying a slow-release, balanced fertilizer in the spring as new growth emerges can promote healthy development, though barberries are not heavy feeders.
Pruning barberry shrubs is not strictly necessary due to their naturally compact form, but trimming can be done after flowering in late spring or early summer to maintain a desired shape or to remove dead or damaged branches. Avoid pruning within two months of the first expected frost to help the plant withstand cold weather. Protect plants from harsh winter winds by covering them with landscape fabric. When growing barberries in containers, place them in full sunlight and water when the top few inches of soil are dry.
Learn More About Barberry
Barberry Companion Plants
Companion plants must tolerate full sun to light shade, thrive in well‑drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil, and handle the leaner moisture levels barberry prefers once established. Boxwood pairs neatly by echoing barberry’s drought resilience while offering dense year‑round structure, whereas the columnar form of arborvitae lifts the eye and frames the shrub’s fall foliage without competing for ground space. Hydrangea supplies broad summer panicles that play off barberry’s fine leaves, and a clump of bluestem grass weaves in airy texture and late‑season color while sharing identical sun and soil demands.
