Berberis thunbergii "Crimson         pygmy"

    Barberry is a plant which has grown in popularity because of its durability, spreading habit, reddish color, and low maintenance characteristics.  Years ago, the common Japanese barberry was a large, thorny plant subject to an eradication program due to its role in stem rust disease in wheat fields.  Furthermore, if you were playing sandlot football in a neighborhood with large barberries, it was possible to catch a pass and land in a barberry, as my brother once did.  Not only was the property owner upset with us, it took time to pick the poor fellow out of the endless thorns, tiny and sharp.  A sticky situation indeed.

    In more urban areas where rust is not a factor, barberries have risen in popularity thanks to the introduction of more refined varieties.  Barbarries encompass many species including Berberis julianae and Berberis thunbergii.  The Berberis julianae is known as "Wintergreen Barberry", sporting bright green leaves with spines.  This evergreen is primarily used as a hedge, growing to a height and width of 6 or 8 feet.  I usually see it maintained as a hedge, sheared to 3 feet.  The green leaves are complimented with delicate yellow flowers in the spring following by dark blue berries about 1/4" in diameter which serve as a source of food for birds throughout the growing season.  This species is not widely used in the landscape.

     The species Berberis thunbergii is now widely used because of its mounding habit and unique coloration.  Generally, the popular cultivars grow to heights of 18 to 30 inches tall, spreading to 4 feet wide.  The plants are semi-deciduous, meaning that they lose their leaves for a couple of months in the winter in our region.  The leaves throw in the towel by Christmas but they are off and running in early March.  The bare stems sport a bright red fruit similar in size to that of the "Wintergreen".

    The two most popular varieties are "Crimson Pygmy" and "Rosy Glow", which have deep crimson coloration.  The "Crimson Pygmy" is the lower grower with a deep crimson leaf which turns bright red in the fall.  The "Rosy Glow" is a bit more upright with mottled leaves ranging in color from crimson to white, with pink interspersed. Either of these plants provide excellent contrast amongst greenery.  They like full sun, tolerate any amount of heat, and should give you no trouble provided you have good drainage.  The variety Berberis thunbergii "Aurea"  displays the same characteristics as its cousins with the exception of its brilliant golden yellow leaves. Barberries certainly deserve consideration as you plan your home landscape.  Their diversity will help fill in the gaps and offer color.