Berberis koreana (Korean Barberry)

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 moist, well-drained soils. Korean Barberry is not fussy about soils, provided they are not soggy or wet. Good drainage is essential.
• Fairly pest-free, easy 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).