Berberis thunbergii 'Aurea'
Overall Description
If
you are looking for contrast in a shrub, you have found it with this
one!! A definite knockout in just about any landscape. Super bright
solid yellow foliage which retains its color well, except for in areas
with lots of shade, where the leaves will then turn more of a lime
green color. A very dense form of Barberry, and is relatively
slow-growing when compared to other varieties of this species. From our
experience with this variety, it will do very well in almost any
location - full sun to part shade. Seems to do best when watered
regularly - do not let it dry out too long - has an above average
moisture requirement. Great for use as an accent shrub, mass plantings,
but really too bright for use as a hedge due to the intense bright
yellow color. May be kept at most any desired height / width through
occasional trimming. A truly wonderful plant!!
Plant Facts & Specifications
Mature Height: 3-4 ft
Mature Width: 4-5 ft
Growth rate: Slow to moderate ( 4"-6" avg per yr )
Hardiness Zones: 4-8 ( if unsure of your zone, please use zone finder below )
Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade - best yellow color in full sun, more lime green in mostly shady spots
Soil Preference: Average, cool, moist & fertile - well drained. Mulching recommended twice per year.
Foliage Color & Texture: Small
rounded leaves with good bright yellow color in sunny locations. Fall color is bright orange / red, with leaves persisting well into late fall.
Branches are generously covered in very sharp, spiny barbs.
Flower, Cone, Or Berry Facts: Small
white flowers can be observed in little clusters beginning in early
April, and lasting well through the end of May. Exact flowering time
will vary, depending on your area of the country - the warmer your
climate, the earlier you will see them. Small 1/4" long bright red,
oval shaped seed pods are sometimes seen on Golden Barberry in
late fall, after the leaves have dropped. Each bright red seed pod has
one seed in it, and will remain on the shrub throughout the
winter....giving it a very nice winter appearance as well.
Diseases / Insects: Usually
barberries have little or no trouble at all under normal landscape
conditions, but some of the possible noted pests / diseases that could
be encountered are: Bacterial leaf spot, anthracnose, root rots, rusts
(Japanese Barberry is not susceptible), wilt, barberry aphid, barberry
webworm, and possibly scale.
Fertilization / Feeding: Either
water
soluble ( Miracle Gro, or equivalent ), or granular all purpose tree
& shrub fertilizer is recommended for regular maintenance type
feedings. Other granular types with 6-12-12, or 10-10-10 ratio is
acceptable. Best to begin a regular scheduled feeding / fertilizing
schedule in very early spring ( upon discovering new bud break ), and
to continue regular weekly feedings through the entire spring season,
up until early summer -
avoid feeding during hot summer months, and directly after
transplanting. Another shorter feeding schedule can be resumed again in
very late summer through mid fall if desired to give the plants another
quick burst of nutrition, but usually not necessary.
Additional pictures & information available by clicking here.
