Plant, Tree & Shrub Library

Description:

A very compact mound of showy bright red foliage edged in yellow, turning to fiery red in fall; very showy, great as a color contrast in the landscape; plant on slopes, in beds, as border

Ornamental Features

Admiration Japanese Barberry has attractive dark red foliage edged in yellow which emerges scarlet in spring on a plant with a round habit of growth. The small oval leaves are highly ornamental and turn an outstanding red in the fall.

Landscape Attributes

Admiration Japanese Barberry is a dense multi-stemmed deciduous shrub with a more or less rounded form. It lends an extremely fine and delicate texture to the landscape composition which should be used to full effect.

This shrub will require occasional maintenance and upkeep, and can be pruned at anytime. Deer don't particularly care for this plant and will usually leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration;

• Spiny

Admiration Japanese Barberry is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Mass Planting
• Border Edging
• General Garden Use

Planting & Growing

Admiration Japanese Barberry will grow to be about 24 inches tall at maturity, with a spread of 3 feet. It tends to fill out right to the ground and therefore doesn't necessarily require facer plants in front. It grows at a slow rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 20 years.

This shrub does best in full sun to partial shade. It is very adaptable to both dry and moist growing conditions, but will not tolerate any standing water. It is considered to be drought-tolerant, and thus makes an ideal choice for a low-water garden or xeriscape application. It is not particular as to soil type or pH, and is able to handle environmental salt. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. This is a selected variety of a species not originally from North America.