Digging deeperPlant Library

Description:

Small, compact shrub with striking coppery-red leaves and brilliant scarlet fall color; one of the smallest barberries, this sharp thorned shrub can be used in a hedge as a deterrant to tresspassers; best color in full sun

Ornamental Features

Bagatelle Japanese Barberry has attractive burgundy deciduous foliage which emerges red in spring on a plant with a mounded habit of growth. The small oval leaves are highly ornamental and turn an outstanding scarlet in the fall. It features tiny clusters of yellow flowers hanging below the branches in mid spring. The fruits are showy scarlet drupes displayed from early to late fall.

Landscape Attributes

Bagatelle Japanese Barberry is a dense multi-stemmed deciduous shrub with a mounded form. It lends an extremely fine and delicate texture to the landscape composition which should be used to full effect.

This is a relatively low maintenance shrub, and can be pruned at anytime. Deer don't particularly care for this plant and will usually leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration;

• Spiny

Bagatelle Japanese Barberry is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Mass Planting
• Rock/Alpine Gardens
• Border Edging
• General Garden Use
• Groundcover
• Container Planting

Planting & Growing

Bagatelle Japanese Barberry will grow to be about 15 inches tall at maturity, with a spread of 15 inches. It tends to fill out right to the ground and therefore doesn't necessarily require facer plants in front. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 20 years.

This shrub does best in full sun to partial shade. It prefers dry to average moisture levels with very well-drained soil, and will often die in standing water. It is not particular as to soil type or pH, and is able to handle environmental salt. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. This is a selected variety of a species not originally from North America.

Bagatelle Japanese Barberry makes a fine choice for the outdoor landscape, but it is also well-suited for use in outdoor pots and containers. It is often used as a 'filler' in the 'spiller-thriller-filler' container combination, providing a mass of flowers and foliage against which the thriller plants stand out. Note that when grown in a container, it may not perform exactly as indicated on the tag - this is to be expected. Also note that when growing plants in outdoor containers and baskets, they may require more frequent waterings than they would in the yard or garden.