Description:

An unusual cultivar of barberry with wide arching branches and an almost horizontal growth habit; superb fall color; one of the finest choices for garden use, particularly effective when planted in groups

Ornamental Features

Sparkle Japanese Barberry features tiny clusters of yellow flowers hanging below the branches in mid spring. It has attractive dark green deciduous foliage. The small oval leaves are highly ornamental and turn an outstanding orange in the fall. The fruits are showy scarlet drupes carried in abundance from early to late fall.

Landscape Attributes

Sparkle Japanese Barberry is a dense multi-stemmed deciduous shrub with a shapely form and gracefully arching branches. 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;

• Spiny

Sparkle Japanese Barberry is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Mass Planting
• Hedges/Screening
• General Garden Use

Planting & Growing

Sparkle Japanese Barberry will grow to be about 3 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 4 feet. It tends to fill out right to the ground and therefore doesn't necessarily require facer plants in front. 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 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.