Golden Rocket Japanese Barberry
Berberis thunbergii 'Golden Rocket'
Height: 5 feet
Spread: 3 feet
Sunlight:
Hardiness Zone: 4b
Brand: Monrovia
Description:
A unique shrub with a narrow, upright habit, that is great for detail use in the garden; red tipped new foliage matures to an amazing yellow color all season long; few flowers and little to no viable seed; great for contrast in a mixed garden border
Ornamental Features
Golden Rocket Japanese Barberry has attractive yellow foliage with hints of chartreuse which emerges coral-pink in spring on a plant with a vase-shaped habit of growth. The small oval leaves are highly ornamental and turn outstanding shades of coral-pink and in the fall. The fruits are showy orange drupes with red overtones, which are displayed from early to late fall. The rough brick red bark and coral-pink branches are extremely showy and add significant winter interest.
Landscape Attributes
Golden Rocket Japanese Barberry is a dense multi-stemmed deciduous shrub with an indistinguished habit of growth. Its relatively fine texture sets it apart from other landscape plants with less refined foliage.
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;
Golden Rocket Japanese Barberry is recommended for the following landscape applications;
Planting & Growing
Golden Rocket Japanese Barberry will grow to be about 5 feet 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, and is suitable for planting under power lines. It grows at a medium 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 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.
