Sunjoy® Citrus Barberry

Light Needs

Full Sun

(At Least 6 Hours Of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

2-3 Feet

Mature Spread

2-3 Feet

Growing Zones

4 to 8

Sunjoy Citrus® Barberry is a fantastic yellow-leaved Barberry that requires little upkeep once established. The bright lemon-yellow foliage has proven to be thoroughly heat and sun tolerant, showing little leaf burn. The foliage is the main reason to grow Citrus® Barberry. It remains a bright lemon yellow throughout the spring and summer and then turns a deep golden tone in fall. The densely mounded habit requires little pruning to keep this shrub in bounds. 

Plant this deciduous shrub to highlight or contrast other decorative foliage in your garden beds. The bright color will add a zing of color to a seasonal mixed planting on the deck or patio. Barberry makes a great low-growing hedge with three seasons of interest while being completely deer and rabbit-proof. Barberry also is drought and pollution tolerant, making it great for planting in urban areas where more delicate shrubs may not thrive. 

Sunjoy Citrus® Barberry Care

Plant Barberry in a location with full sun exposure and well-draining soil year-round. It tolerates infertile soil, although these shrubs will perform well with a layer of organic compost mulch applied annually in the spring. The mulch will help hold moisture in the soil while adding nutrients as it decomposes in place. Container-grown Barberry will require supplemental fertilizing with a granular, slow-release formula applied as a top-dressing in the spring. Water newly planted shrubs regularly for the first season until they can establish robust root systems. Supplemental watering of pot-grown shrubs is required throughout the summer and fall until the nighttime temperatures drop to 45 degrees F. 

The Sunjoy Citrus® Barberry requires minimal pruning to retain its naturally dense form. It can be clipped into small topiary if desired and will only need a touch-up pruning once or twice a summer. Barberry can be rejuvenated with a severe cutback of the whole stem structure. The best time of year for hard pruning is early spring, so the shrub has time to recover before the frosts of fall. Barberry in containers requires excellent drainage over the winter if you garden in a climate with heavy winter rains. Raising the pots on dedicated pot feet or bricks will aid drainage. Move containers to a more protected location if they are in the direct path of prevailing winter winds and storms.

Sunjoy Citrus® Barberry Spacing

Citrus Barberry maintains a perfectly compact form with dense foliage to the ground. The mature height and width are 3 feet. Space the shrubs 30 inches apart on the center to create a dense hedge. Individual Barberries can be planted 3 feet from other plants to allow for good air circulation. Grow Citrus Barberry in a container with at least a 14-inch diameter.

Restricted States: IN, MA, ME, NH, NY and VT.