Images Depict Mature Plants
Admiration Barberry
Berberis thunbergii 'Admiration'
Admiration Barberry shrubs offer striking crimson-red foliage with golden-yellow margins, creating vivid color contrast and seasonal interest from spring through fall. Ideal for borders, foundation plantings, rock gardens, and containers, this compact, deer-resistant shrub adds vibrant structure and low-maintenance appeal to any sunny landscape.
Shipping calculated at checkout.
Delay shipping by leaving us a message at Checkout.
Share:
Admiration Barberry Shrubs for Sale Online
Admiration Barberry (Berberis thunbergii 'Admiration') is a standout dwarf shrub admired for its compact size and bold foliage. This ornamental barberry features vibrant crimson-red leaves edged in bright golden yellow, providing a dazzling color contrast that holds its brilliance from spring through fall. With a naturally rounded, mounded shape and a mature size of just 1 to 2 feet tall and wide, it is ideal for small spaces, borders, and container gardens where year-round structure and seasonal color are desired.
Perfect for full sun exposure, Admiration Barberry thrives in well-drained soils and is both heat- and drought-tolerant once established. Its small stature and vivid color make it an excellent choice for foundation plantings, rock gardens, and mass plantings, adding rich texture and contrast among other perennials or shrubs. The plant’s dense branching and thorny stems also make it a natural deterrent for foot traffic or unwanted pests, while still being low maintenance and adaptable to a wide range of garden settings.
In addition to its ornamental appeal, Admiration Barberry is also known for its deer resistance and disease tolerance, making it a reliable landscape option in areas with heavy wildlife pressure. It holds its structure well through the seasons and requires little pruning to maintain its tidy shape. Whether used as a bright accent in a container or as a low-growing hedge, this colorful shrub brings season-long impact, durability, and charm to any garden design.
| Hardiness Zone: | 4-9 |
|---|---|
| Mature Height: | 1.5 to 2 Feet |
| Mature Width: | 1.5 to 2 Feet |
| Classification: | Broad Leaved deciduous shrub |
| Sunlight: | Partial to full sun |
| Habit: | Rounded mounding habit |
| Foliage: | Burgundy and yellow margin |
| Flower Color: | Inconspicuous |
| Pruning Season: | Best pruned in late winter before new growth emerges to maintain shape |
| Soil Condition: | Any |
| Water Requirements: | Tolerates slightly moist soil and partial shade or full sun. Full sun brings out the best foliage color. Will adapt to drier sites |
How to Care for Admiration Barberry
After you purchase your Admiration Barberry Shrub, be sure to read the recommend care instructions to ensure your plant stays happy and healthy for years to come.
-v1745241838730.png?92x91){kind=icon}
How do I Plant Admiration Barberry Shrubs?
Planting Admiration Barberry shrubs starts with selecting a location that receives full sun, as this ensures the brightest foliage coloration throughout the growing season. These compact shrubs thrive in well-drained soil, and while they tolerate a range of soil types, amending with organic matter at planting will support healthy root establishment. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and as deep as its height. Place the shrub in the hole so that the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil, backfill gently, and water thoroughly to eliminate air pockets. When planting multiple Admiration Barberries, space them about 18 to 24 inches apart to allow for airflow and their mature width of up to 2 feet. Adding a 2- to 3-inch layer of mulch around the base will help conserve soil moisture and suppress weeds, but be sure to keep mulch a few inches away from the stem to prevent rot. With their vivid red foliage edged in gold, Admiration Barberry shrubs are perfect for planting along walkways, in garden borders, or as a colorful foundation accent, offering both visual impact and low-maintenance versatility.
How do I water Admiration Barberry Shrubs?
Proper watering is essential to help Admiration Barberry shrubs establish strong roots and maintain vibrant foliage. After planting, water deeply and consistently, providing 1–2 inches of water per week for the first growing season. Focus on deep, infrequent watering to encourage the roots to grow downward, which improves drought tolerance over time. Always water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, which can help prevent disease, especially in humid climates. Once established, Admiration Barberry becomes moderately drought-tolerant, requiring less frequent watering. During hot, dry periods or extended drought, check the soil moisture and water when the top 2–3 inches feel dry. In container plantings, barberries may need watering more often, especially in full sun. Be sure to avoid overwatering, as poorly drained soil can lead to root rot. With the right watering routine, these colorful, compact shrubs will thrive and provide reliable three-season color and low-maintenance beauty in your landscape.
How do I fertilize Admiration Barberry Shrubs?
Fertilizing Admiration Barberry shrubs properly encourages healthy growth and enhances their vivid red and gold foliage. In early spring, before new growth begins, apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 or 14-14-14 formula. Scatter the fertilizer evenly around the base of the shrub, keeping it a few inches away from the main stem, and water thoroughly to help the nutrients reach the root zone. This early-season feeding provides the essential nutrients barberries need to develop strong roots, dense branching, and brilliant color throughout the growing season. For continued performance, you can apply a light second feeding in mid-summer, especially if the shrub is planted in sandy or nutrient-poor soil. Avoid over-fertilizing, as excessive nitrogen can cause leggy growth and reduce the vibrancy of the foliage. Admiration Barberry generally requires minimal maintenance and will perform beautifully with just one or two feedings per year. Consistent fertilization, combined with proper watering and sunlight, ensures your barberry remains a colorful, compact, and eye-catching accent in borders, containers, or foundation plantings.
How and When should I Prune Admiration Barberry Shrubs?
Admiration Barberry shrubs benefit from light pruning to maintain their compact, rounded shape and to encourage healthy, dense growth. The best time to prune is in late winter to early spring, just before new growth begins. Use clean, sharp pruning shears to remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches, and thin out the interior slightly to improve air circulation. You can also shape the shrub at this time by lightly trimming back the outer edges, taking care not to remove too much of the vibrant foliage, which is one of the plant’s best features. Throughout the growing season, light touch-up pruning can be done to maintain a neat appearance or control the size if needed, especially in tight garden spaces or formal designs. Avoid heavy pruning in the fall, as this can stimulate tender new growth that may not harden off before winter. Since Admiration Barberry has thorny stems, always wear gloves and protective clothing when pruning. With minimal seasonal maintenance, your barberry will retain its striking red-and-gold foliage, tidy form, and reliable performance in borders, foundation plantings, and mass plantings.
