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Berberis koreana (Korean Barberry)

Korean Barberry

Berberis Koreana, Korean Barberry, Berries, Shrub with Berries, Evergreen Shrub, Red Berries, Flowering Shrub
Berberis Koreana, Korean Barberry, Berries, Shrub with Berries, Evergreen Shrub, Red Berries, Flowering Shrub

Extremely hardy, Berberis koreana (Korean Barberry) is a fabulous addition to the landscape thanks to its four seasons of interest. In mid-spring, this small, multi-stemmed, semi-evergreen shrub produces striking pendulous clusters of golden-yellow flowers. They are followed by an abundance of egg-shaped, bright red berries, which are attractive to birds and often persist well into winter, extending the season of interest of this ornamental shrub. The summer foliage of alternate, elliptical, medium green leaves, 1-3 in. long (2-7 cm), turns dramatic maroon to deep purple shades in fall and often remains on the reddish stems. The latter are densely armed with short spines that may make the plant difficult to manage.

  • Korean Barberry grows with a dense, oval to rounded habit, at a moderate rate, up to 4-6 ft. tall and wide (120-180 cm). This flowering shrub can sucker from the roots and form colonies.
  • Performs best in full sun to part shade, in dry to moistwell-drained soils. Korean Barberry is not fussy about soils, provided they are not soggy or wet. Good drainage is essential.
  • Fairly pest-freeeasy to grow, and to care for.
  • Drought tolerant, deer resistant!
  •  Perfect choice as a single specimen plant or massed in borders, for foundation plantings or as an informal barrier (Korean Barberry is wind tolerant), screen, or hedge.
  • Easily transplanted. Light pruning may be required to maintain a lovely shape.
  • Native to Korea and Japan
  • Main Korean Barberry cultivar is ‘Red Tears‘, well known for its bright red fruits, which hang in clusters up to 4 in. long (10 cm). The leaves are also reddish-colored on this arching shrub that reaches 6 ft. (180 cm).

Requirements

Hardiness 3 - 7
Heat Zones 1 - 7
Climate Zones 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17
Plant Type Shrubs
Plant Family Berberidaceae
Genus Berberis
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter
Height 4' - 6' (120cm - 180cm)
Spread 4' - 6' (120cm - 180cm)
Spacing 48" - 72" (120cm - 180cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low, Average
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Semi-Evergreen, Fruit & Berries
Tolerance Drought, Deer
Attracts Birds
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Hedges And Screens
Garden Styles Traditional Garden, Informal and Cottage
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Berberis x stenophylla (Rosemary Barberry)
Berberis pinnata (California Barberry)
Berberis nevinii (Nevin’s Barberry)
Berberis verruculosa (Warty Barberry)
Berberis thunbergii f. atropurpurea ‘Rose Glow’ (Japanese Barberry)
Berberis thunbergii ‘Orange Rocket’ (Japanese Barberry)

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Berberis thunbergii (Japanese Barberry)
Shrubs and Trees with Colorful Fruits and Berries in Winter
Native Plant Alternatives to Berberis thunbergii (Japanese Barberry)
Attractive Deciduous Shrubs and Trees with Red Fruits and Berries
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 3 - 7
Heat Zones 1 - 7
Climate Zones 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17
Plant Type Shrubs
Plant Family Berberidaceae
Genus Berberis
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter
Height 4' - 6' (120cm - 180cm)
Spread 4' - 6' (120cm - 180cm)
Spacing 48" - 72" (120cm - 180cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low, Average
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Semi-Evergreen, Fruit & Berries
Tolerance Drought, Deer
Attracts Birds
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Hedges And Screens
Garden Styles Traditional Garden, Informal and Cottage
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Guides with
Berberis (Barberry)
Not sure which Berberis (Barberry) to pick?
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