Sunjoy Fast Neo™ Barberry

Light Needs

Full Sun

(At Least 6 Hours Of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

3-4 Feet

Mature Spread

3-4 Feet

Growing Zones

4 to 8

Sunjoy Fast Neo® Barberry, botanically known as Berberis thunbergii ‘NCBT4’, delivers saturated red foliage from spring through fall on a strong, mounded shrub. Growing 3 to 5 feet tall and 3 to 4 feet wide, it fills in quickly and develops a dense framework that gives the landscape immediate structure. Small yellow flowers appear in spring against the red leaves, adding subtle seasonal detail before the foliage takes center stage. As its name implies, Sunjoy Fast Neo® establishes faster and and develops deeper red color in full sun than older selections.

This deciduous shrub forms a naturally rounded habit with thorny stems that help deter deer. Once established, it tolerates dry spells, urban soils, road salt, and clay, making it a dependable choice for exposed sites. Native to Japan, Berberis thunbergii has long been valued for durability in challenging climates. Use Sunjoy Fast Neo® as a low hedge, mass planting, foundation shrub, or bold accent in mixed borders. It also performs well in large patio containers where its foliage provides season-long color contrast with ornamental grasses, perennials, or trailing annuals.

Sunjoy Fast Neo® Barberry Care

Plant in full sun for the deepest red foliage; six or more hours of direct light daily is ideal. It adapts to a wide range of soils, including clay and alkaline ground, as long as drainage is good. A slightly acidic to neutral pH (about 6.0–7.5) supports best growth, but it tolerates higher pH without chlorosis. Water regularly during the first growing season to establish roots, and then reduce irrigation; mature plants handle average to dry conditions. Fertilize in early spring with a balanced, slow-release shrub fertilizer if growth is sluggish, but avoid high-nitrogen products that can push overly soft growth.

Pruning is minimal. Trim lightly in late spring or early summer to refine shape, avoiding cuts into thick, woody stems unless removing an entire branch. This shrub blooms on old wood, so heavy early-spring pruning can reduce flowering. In colder climates, apply mulch around the root zone in late fall to moderate soil temperature. For container-grown plants, check soil moisture more often and protect pots from repeated freeze-thaw cycles.

Sunjoy Fast Neo® Barberry Spacing

Space plants 3 to 4 feet apart on center for a solid hedge or mass planting. For a looser, layered look in mixed borders, allow 4 - 5 feet between shrubs so companion plants can weave between them. Choose a container at least 18 to 24 inches wide for a young plant, increasing pot size as it matures. In containers, pair with sun-loving companions that prefer sharp drainage, such as tickseed, stonecrop sedum, or fountain grass, to create a balanced and cohesive planting.

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