Japanese Barberry 'Dwarf Golden'

Abbotsford Nursery Inc.

$24.99
Title

A luminous gem for the garden, this dwarf shrub radiates with a brilliant, neon-yellow glow that brightens even the smallest spaces. Its petite, rounded leaves emerge in a striking chartreuse, maintaining their vivid golden hue throughout the summer heat without scorching. As autumn arrives, the sunlight-colored foliage transitions into a warm, sunset-orange, creating a spectacular multi-seasonal focal point that truly "pops" against darker greenery.

Size

Size Guide

Visit Us

Delivery

Warranty

Plant Details

Mature Size:

1.5' H x 1.5' W

Zone:

4-8

Watering:

Medium

Foliage Type:

Deciduous

Growth Rate:

Slow - Moderate

Light:

Full Sun/Part Sun

Plant Profile

Common Names:

Golden Dwarf Barberry, Dwarf Golden Japanese Barberry, Nana Aurea Barberry.

Scientific Name:

Berberis thunbergii 'Aurea Nana'

Type:

Ornamental Shrub

Growth Details:

  • Mature Size: 12–24 inches tall and wide.
  • Growth Habit / Form: Compact, mounded, and globular.
  • Growth Rate: Slow to moderate.
  • Longevity: Typically lives 15–20 years.

Environmental Needs:

  • Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Shade (provide afternoon shade in extremely hot climates to prevent leaf singe).
  • Soil Preferences: Adaptable to a wide range of soil types; prefers well-drained loams.
  • Soil Tolerance: Tolerates sandy, clay, and somewhat alkaline soils.
  • Watering: Regular watering during the first growing season; drought-tolerant once established.

Special Features:

Highly resistant to deer and rabbits. Excellent choice for urban environments due to high pollution tolerance. Naturally pest-resistant.

Care Guide

Ornamental & Landscape Value

Seasonal Interest:

  • Bloom Information: Small, pale yellow flowers in late spring (often hidden by foliage).
  • Fall Colour: Brighter orange to pinkish-red tones.
  • Bark / Fruit: Occasional red berries in fall that may persist into winter.

Garden Value:

Exceptional for rock gardens, low borders, and path edging. Its bright color makes it a perfect "highlighter" plant for mixed containers or foundation plantings.

Wildlife & Human Value:

  • Wildlife Value: Flowers provide nectar for bees; dense habit offers nesting sites for small birds.
  • Human Value: Ideal for low-maintenance landscapes and adds significant "curb appeal" with its year-round bright color.

Planting & Care Guide

Planting Considerations:

  • Best Time To Plant: Spring or fall for best root establishment.
  • Spacing: 18–24 inches apart.
  • Location Tips: Avoid low-lying areas where water collects; ensure good air circulation.

Care:

  • Light Requirements: Thrives in full sun to partial shade; best golden color is achieved with at least 6 hours of sun.
  • Moisture Requirements: Prefers consistent, average moisture; well-drained soil is essential.
  • Maintenance, Fertilization: Requires very little pruning due to its naturally compact shape. Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring before new growth begins.

Tolerances:

Drought (once established), urban pollution, and poor soil conditions.

Tips For Success:

Use a layer of mulch to keep roots cool and retain moisture. Use gloves when handling, as the stems feature small thorns.

Fruit Profile