Sunjoy Really Red™ Barberry (Berberis thunbergii ‘NCBX3’) stands out with its striking deep red foliage that holds its color from spring through fall, even gaining a subtle chartreuse edge in warmer months. In spring, small yellow flowers appear, bringing extra charm to this compact shrub that grows 2 to 3 feet tall and wide. More adaptable than many traditional barberry varieties, it maintains a neat, mounded form, making it an excellent choice for brightening up any outdoor space. Its sterile nature prevents unwanted spreading, so you can enjoy its bold color display without worrying about invasiveness.
Sunjoy Really Red™ Barberry also boasts strong disease resistance and tolerates occasional drought, thanks to its tough roots and hardy heritage in Zones 4–9. Originally from Japan, this deciduous shrub features thorny stems that discourage deer while still looking polished in garden beds, borders, and container arrangements. Its compact habit is ideal for mass plantings, low hedges, and foundation plantings where a splash of red can break up the usual green landscape. For additional versatility, plant it alongside ornamental grasses or flowering perennials to create eye-catching layers of texture and color.
Sunjoy Really Red™ Barberry Care
Provide your barberry with full sun to maintain the best leaf color, although it can handle a bit of shade in hotter climates. Plant it in a location that offers well-draining soil and an average to slightly acidic pH for healthy growth. Water regularly during its first growing season, then allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings once the plant is established. A balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring can help maintain leaf brilliance, while organic mulch around the root zone conserves moisture and moderates soil temperature. If you grow it in containers, choose a pot with good drainage and refresh the top layer of soil or repot every few years as needed.
Prune lightly by trimming or thinning in late spring or early summer, avoiding cuts into older, woody stems unless removing an entire branch. In colder climates, a layer of mulch around the base can protect the roots during winter. For container-grown plants, bring them to a sheltered spot if temperatures dip significantly or use insulated pots to reduce stress.
Sunjoy Really Red™ Barberry Spacing
When planting in a border, space each barberry 3 feet apart to allow them to fill in while still maintaining adequate airflow. For a hedge or row, position the shrubs 2 feet apart for a dense, continuous look. When using a container, opt for a pot at least 12 to 14 inches in diameter to accommodate the plant’s root system and provide room for growth.
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Container Sizes
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.

Quart Pot
Also Known As:
Quart
Plant Age:
~ 6 months - 1 year
Plant Size:
~ 4"-8"
Pot Size:
~ 4.75"H x 4.5"W
Volume:
1.50 quarts

2.5 Quart
Also Known As:
2.5 Quart Pot
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 8"-12"
Pot Size:
~ 6.5"H x 6.5"W
Volume:
2.20-2.30 quarts

#1 Pot
Also Known As:
#1 Container
1 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 10"-14"
Pot Size:
~ 7"H x 7.75"W
Volume:
2.26-3.73 quarts

#2 Pot
Also Known As:
#2 Container
2 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1.5 - 3 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-18"
Pot Size:
~ 9.5"H x 9.5"W
Volume:
1.19-1.76 gallons

#3 Pot
Also Known As:
#3 Container
3 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 2 - 4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-30"
Pot Size:
~9.5"H x 11"W
Volume:
2.32-2.76 gallons

#5 Pot
Also Known As:
#5 Container
5 Gallon
Plant Age:
~3-4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 20" - 60"
Pot Size:
~11" H x 10 1/2” W
Volume:
3.5 - 4 gallons

Best in Class Warranty
We stand behind our plants with industry-leading guarantees to give you peace of mind.
Arrival Guarantee
We want your plants to arrive in great condition! If you notice any issues upon delivery, contact us within 3 days.
Free 1-Year Plant Warranty
All bushes, perennials & trees come with an extended 1-year warranty for added confidence. If your plant dies due to a health issue within a year, we’ll make it right.

Pre-Ordered Plants
Pre-ordered plants are scheduled to ship in Spring 2025. We carefully plan our shipping dates based on your USDA Plant Hardiness Zone to ensure optimal planting conditions upon arrival. Want it sooner/later? Reach out, and we'll try our best to accommodate.
Estimated Spring Shipping Schedule
Estimated ship week for pre-ordered plants will ship based on growing zones as shown below.
Growing Zone | Estimated Ship Week |
---|---|
Zone 10 | March 24th |
Zone 9 | March 31st |
Zone 8 | April 7th |
Zone 7 | April 14th |
Zone 6b | April 21st |
Zone 6a | April 28th |
Zone 5b | May 5th |
Zone 5a | May 12th |
Zone 4 | May 19th |
Zone 3 | May 26th |
Note: These are only estimated ship dates. Plants may ship out later depending on weather & growing conditions of the plant.
Note: Only plants indicated as pre-order will ship as shown above. All other plants and hard goods will ship as normal.
Plants Shipping Now
Plants that are currently in stock typically ship within 2-7 business days after your order is placed.