The deciduous species (e.g. Berberis thunbergii, B. vulgaris) are noted for great autumn color - the leaves turn pink or red before falling.

Berberis do best in full sun and well drained sites.  They are great in groupings, as barriers or hedges.

There are numerous Berberis cultivars available on the market today. Listed below are cultivars we generally carry.

Berberis thunbergii var. atropurpurea ‘Bagatelle’
Red Leaf Barberry
(aka Purple-Leaved Japanese Barberry)
 

Height: 16"
Spread: 16"
Zone: 4
Foliage: red-purple
Shape: compact, rounded
Fall Color: red-purple
Flowers: yellow
Fruit: insignificant

1076

This is a miniature cultivar that never needs pruning.  Smaller leaves and slower growing than Crimson Pygmy.

Berberis thunbergii 'Moretti Select'
Cabernet Barberry
 

Height: 2'
Spread: 2-3'
Zone: 4
Foliage: burgundy-purple
Shape:  compact/mounded
Fall Color:
Flowers: yellow-insig
Fruit: small red

1324

Compact form with extremely dense foliage that will not require pruning. Bright crimson new growth with rich purple-red summer foliage.

Berberis thunbergii  var. atropurpurea ‘Concorde’
Concorde Barberry
 

1801

Slow growing cultivar with darker foliage and larger leaves that Crimson Pygmy or Royal Burgundy. Neat, mounding form.

Berberis th. var. atropurpurea ‘Gentry Cultivar’
Royal Burgundy™  Barberry
 

Height: 1 1/2'
Spread: 2'
Zone: 4
Foliage: deep red-purple
Shape: mounding
Fall Color: dark red
Flowers: pink
Fruit: bright red

1802

Compact form is smaller than Crimson Pygmy, and has deeper red-purple foliage.  Leaf color does not fade in the heat of the summer.

Berberis thunbergii var. atropurpurea 'Helmond Pillar'
 Helmond Pillar Barberry
 

Height: 1 1/2'
Spread: 2'
Zone: 4
Foliage: red-purple
Shape: upright
Fall Color: dark red
Flowers: yellow
Fruit: bright red

1025

Upright, narrow form provides a strong vertical accent in the landscape.  Narrow base widens toward the top of the plant.

Berberis thunbergii  var. atropurpurea ‘Nana’
Crimson Pygmy Barberry
 

Height: 2'
Spread: 3'
Zone: 4
Foliage: red-purple
Shape: mounded
Fall Color: reddish-yellow
Flowers: yellow
Fruit: bright red

1025

Compact mounding habit forms a dense shrub.  One of our best sellers.

Berberis thunbergii  var. atro. ‘Rose Glow’
Rose Glow Barberry
 

Height: 4-5'
Spread: 3'
Zone: 4
Foliage: mottled
Shape: upright
Fall Color: red
Flowers: yellow in May
Fruit: bright red

1030

Graceful, arching branches cascade and showcase this plant's unique foliage.  New leaves are rosy-pink mottled with reddish-purple splotches, that eventually mature to deep red-purple.

Berberis thunbergii ‘Kobold’
Kobold Barberry
 

Height: 2'
Spread: 2'
Zone: 4
Foliage: dark green
Shape: dwarf, mounding
Fall Color: off yellow
Flowers: yellow
Fruit: small red

1027

Mounded habit does not require pruning to maintain shape.  Lighter green foliage matures to shiny dark green.  Compact, defined form is perfect for small spaces and rock gardens.

Berberis thunbergii  ‘Monler’
Golden Nugget Barberry
 

Height: 12"
Spread: 18"
Zone: 4
Foliage: golden
Shape: dwarf, compact
Fall Color: orange
Flowers: yellow
Fruit: insignificant

1202

Slow growing cultivar displays orange foliage in spring which matures to golden-yellow.  Full sun brings out the best color.  Foliage does not burn.

Berberis thunbergii  ‘Orange Rocket’ ^PP#18626
'Orange Rocket' Barberry
 

Height: 6-8'
Spread: 2'
Zone: 4
Foliage: orange turning burgundy red
Shape: upright and compact
Fall Color: red
Flowers: pale yellow
Fruit: crimson red

1024

Compact, upright growing deciduous shrub with small red leaves that turn a ruby red in autumn. Early summer, pale yellow flowers are followed by small, crimson red berries. Will reach 6 to 8 feet tall in ten years.