The Barberry - Evergreen and Deciduous Colorful Shrub

The Barberry shrub is a colorful plant specimen to enhance a variety of gardens or landscape areas. This plant is native to Japan, Europe, British Isles, China, Asia and the United States. The shrub has some unique characteristics. The sharp spines become apparent when you touch them, and gloves should be warn. This is one draw back of the plant, but there are other wonderful attributes that allow the shrub to show off its beauty. The plant may become leggy with age, and should only be pruned at this time. Regular pruning may ruin the natural rounded form.

There are many different Japanese varieties, but two of the most popular are the evergreen Wintergreen, and the Crimson Pygmy. The Wintergreen Barberry grows well in zones five through eight in the United States. The foliage is dark green, and will mature six to eight feet tall and six to eight feet wide. The Wintergreen can take full sun to part shade. In the spring, the Wintergreen shrub emerges with delicate yellow flowers. After the flowers are done blooming, blue colored fruit will appear and remain on the shrub throughout the summer and winter months. This plant needs moist to well drained soil, and it is a good idea to have the soil slightly acid base. The Wintergreen is an excellent plant for a hedge row, and can be used along a foundation. I would not recommend this shrub in an area where children have access to. This shrub creates a wonderful look in a mass plant setting. In the winter, this plant is susceptible to wind burn in zone five. It should be protected. In the coastal and lower south, the Wintergreen needs some protection against the heat and humidity. The Wintergreen Barberry looks stunning next to the Cypress family

The Crimson Pygmy variety is one of my favorites to design in a landscape area or a specific garden. The Crimson is considered a deciduous shrub and will do well in zones four through eight. This is one of the most popular Japanese Barberries today. The Crimson will mature two to three feet high and three to four feet wide. It loves full sun but will survive in light shade. This is a spectacular shrub in front of a backdrop of evergreen trees or taller shrubs. The Pygmy does well in as a ground cover or even a border. In the gallery of plants section, there are many different trees, shrubs, flowers and herbs that will compliment this colorful plant.

In mid spring, yellow flowers appear through the shrub. The foliage overtakes these tiny blossoms, but the shrub is preparing throughout the summer months for its grand showcase in the fall.

Crimson Color In Spring

Close Up

In the autumn, this Barberry erupts into a mass color of crimson, with red fruit encompassing the plant. The two photos below show the Crimson in the late fall, just before the leaves drop.

Late Fall Foliage

Close Up

Notice the changes in the color of this shrub from the rich crimson tone throughout the growing season, to the different shades of orange, red, and yellow. A great contrast for any style garden.

Either one of these popular Barberries will boost a variety of outdoor features. A decorative retaining wall, gazebo, in a rock garden, and a around other outside buildings such as a shed or or pool house.

The fruit from this shrub can be preserved or pickled, and the juice from the Barberry is medicinally known to help tone gums. Always remember to check with a professional before ingesting any part of a plant. Remember to plant it away from children. The Barberry is a excellent addition to your garden or landscape area.