Rose Glow Barberry

Introduction

The rose Glow barberry is a dense, deciduous shrub which grows 3’-6’ tall. First leaves are purple, but new shoots emerge as a rose pink mottled with bronzish to purplish red splotches. Leaves are of variable sizes (.50” t 1,25” long). Many branched, reddish-brown stems have sharp thorns. Tiny, yellowish flowers appear in late April to early May, but are often hidden by the foliage and are not considered showy. Bead-like, bright red berries form in fall and often last through winter. The berries are attractive to birds.

Use and Management

Easily grown in average, medium, well-drained soil in full sun. Tolerates light shade, but needs full sun to produce best foliage color. Very adaptable shrub that is tolerant of many pollutants in urban areas. Also tolerates some drought, but will do well in poorly drained, wet soils.

No serious problems. Some susceptibility to bacterial leaf spot, anthracnose, root rots, wilt, aphids, barberry webworm and scale.

Japanese barberry forms an excellent barrier or hedge. It is also effective when planted in groups or as a specimen.

Additional Characteristics

• Low maintenance
• Fine texture
• Slow growth
• Likes sun but can grow in partial shade

Planting

• Typically planted in 1 or 3 gal containers, occasionally in 5 gal containers (not as readily available).