How To Plant Barberry Shrubs
Plant Guide
Planting and growing Barberries is an easy and rewarding task that will easily upscale any landscape! Boasting vibrant hues and a low-maintenance care regimen, these hardy shrubs will certainly light up your life!
Depending on the variety you choose, your Barberry bush will sport unique foliage colors ranging from neon yellow to a deep shade of maroon. Keep reading to learn the best tips and tricks of care for Barberry Shrubs!
Ground Rules
Light
Barberry shrubs thrive in full sun. however they will also tolerate conditions of partial shade. For the most vibrant foliage, subject your shrubs to at least 7 hours of bright sunshine.
Water
Barberries are exceptionally drought-tolerant. The only time you will want to consider supplemental irrigation is in the case of prolonged periods without rainfall in the summer months.
Soil
Barberry Shrubs grow best in moist, loamy, well-draining soil.
Food
Your Barberry Shrubs will benefit from the application of a well-balanced fertilizer like Espoma Bio Tone Starter Plus.
Temperature
Barberry Shrubs grow best in temperate or subtropical climates. Ideal for USDA hardiness zones four through eight, these shrubs are hardy to the elements and can also sustain life in zones three and nine.
Toxicity
Barberry shrubs are considered mildly toxic to humans and animals.
Mulch
Apply one to two inches of mulch to protect your Barberry's roots in extreme temperatures.
Planting Process
- Barberry shrubs prefer a loose soil around the roots. Dig a whole one to two times the size of the root ball.
- Place your shrub in the hole and backfill until the top of the root ball is even with the soil's surface.
- Spread some organic material like compost over the planting area.
- Add a thin layer of mulch around the plant to conserve moisture and protect the root ball from extreme temperatures.
- Water thoroughly and continue to water your plant for the first two weeks until established.
Barberry Shrub Types
| Type | Foliage Color | Mature Height |
|---|---|---|
| Admiration Barberry | Burgundy with yellow edges | 1.5 to 2 feet |
| Bonanza Gold Barberry | Neon golden yellow | 1.5 to 2 feet |
| Crimson Pygmy Barberry | Deep maroon | 2 to 3 feet |
| Orange Rocket Barberry | Orange-coral new growth, green at maturity, ruby red in autumn | 4 to 5 feet |
| Rose Glow Barberry | Rose red mottled with white and green | 4 to 5 feet |
| Royal Burgundy Barberry | Deep burgundy turns to vibrant crimson orange hues in fall | 4 to 5 feet |
| Sunjoy Gold Pillar Barberry | Red in spring turning a neon yellow in summer | 3 to 4 feet |
| Sunjoy Mini Salsa Barberry | Deep ruby hues | 1.5 to 2 feet |
| Sunjoy Tangelo Barberry | Vibrant mix of coral and lime green | 3 to 4 feet |