Barberry shrubs make barberry benefits skin additions to the landscape and are known for their rich color and year-round garden interest. Barberry Plant Information Barberry bushes are hardy deciduous plants commonly used in gardens or as foundation bushes due to their low maintenance requirements and adaptability. Barberries are also frequently used as a hedge because of their uniform growth pattern.

There are over 400 species of barberry plants. Be sure to consider this when growing barberry bushes, especially if you have small children. Also, some types of barberry may become invasive in some regions. Be sure to check into this beforehand.

Popular Barberry Shrubs In addition to its thorns, you will want to choose a barberry shrub that suits your growing conditions and region. Bright green leaves change to orange or reddish in the fall. This plant is extremely invasive in some areas, so research carefully before planting. Dark green leaves turn bronze in the winter and yellow flowers follow in the spring. Interesting winter fruits are oval and bluish-black in color.

Leaves are leathery and turn bright orange or red in the fall. Spring flowers are small, and this species produces no winter fruit. Growing Barberry Bushes Growing barberry bushes is easy and many city dwellers choose this shrub type due to its ability to tolerate urban conditions much better than other varieties of landscape shrubs. They can even be grown in containers. Barberries like full sun or partial shade and are very adaptable to a wide range of soil types as long as it drains well.

Transplant barberries just after flowering or in late winter. Barberry Shrub Care When it comes to barberry shrub care, you’ll find that it’s pretty minimal. In fact, pruning barberry plants may be the most work performed with this shrub. If you are keeping your barberry shrubs as a hedge, it is necessary to prune them a couple of times a year. Pruning barberry plants increase shrub health and vigor. Prune for shape during the winter or fall after the plant has fruited.