Alphabetical Plant Listing

Berberis thunbergii 'Fireball' (Japanese Barberry)

Japanese Barberry 'Fireball', Berberis 'Fireball'


Very showy, award-winning Berberis thunbergii 'Fireball' (Japanese Barberry) is a compact, dwarf, deciduous shrub with a vibrant foliage of fiery red leaves. The striking coloring remains throughout the summer and deepens in fall. 'Fireball' is perfect for brightening borders or containers and ideal for small gardens.

  • Winner of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society
  • Grows with a tight compact habit to 1-2 ft. tall and wide (30-60 cm).
  • Performs best in full sun or part shade, in average, dry to medium, well-drained soils. Best foliage color when grown in full sun. Japanese Barberry is not fussy about soils provided they are not soggy or wet. Good drainage is essential.
  • Drought, pollution, deer, clay or dry soil tolerant!
  • Japanese Barberry is very adaptable. Excellent choice as a single specimen plant, massed in beds, borders, as informal screens or hedges.
  • Fairly pest-free, easy to grow and to care for. May be subject to powdery mildews.
  • Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings. Trim hard back at an early age to encourage strong basal branching.
  • Ingestion may cause mild stomach upset.
  • Berberis thunbergii species is invasive in the United States. The invasive potential of the more than 40 cultivars of Japanese Barberry is not well known.
  • Discover beautiful U.S. native plant alternatives.

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Requirements

Hardiness 4 – 8
Heat Zones 5 – 8
Climate Zones 2, 2B, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, A3
Plant Type Shrubs
Plant Family Berberis - Barberries
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Mid,Late)
Summer (Early,Mid,Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm)
Spread 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm)
Spacing 24" (60cm)
Water Needs Low, Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Plant of Merit, Showy
Tolerance Clay Soil, Deer, Drought, Dry Soil
Attracts Birds
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Hedges and Screens, Patio and Containers, Small Gardens
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Informal and Cottage

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Planthaven International, Inc

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.


Requirements

Hardiness 4 – 8
Heat Zones 5 – 8
Climate Zones 2, 2B, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, A3
Plant Type Shrubs
Plant Family Berberis - Barberries
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Mid,Late)
Summer (Early,Mid,Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm)
Spread 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm)
Spacing 24" (60cm)
Water Needs Low, Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Plant of Merit, Showy
Tolerance Clay Soil, Deer, Drought, Dry Soil
Attracts Birds
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Hedges and Screens, Patio and Containers, Small Gardens
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Informal and Cottage

Guides with Berberis - Barberries

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