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:

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.

Items 1 to 17 of 17 total
Items 1 to 17 of 17 total

About Barberry

Citrus 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

Orange Rocket Barberry Branches