Admiration Barberry

Admiration Barberry (Berberis thunbergii 'Admiration')

Admiration Barberry (Berberis thunbergii 'Admiration') is a compact, colorful shrub prized for its vivid foliage and tight, mounded habit. The brilliant red-purple leaves are edged with a bold golden-yellow margin, creating a glowing contrast that holds strong from spring through fall. This tidy, low-growing Japanese Barberry adds a burst of color to borders, foundations, and mass plantings, even in small gardens or container arrangements.

Distinctive Features

This dwarf deciduous shrub typically reaches just 12 to 24 inches tall and wide, forming a naturally rounded shape with dense branching. Its foliage emerges bright red with yellow margins and deepens to a richer burgundy-red as the season progresses, maintaining its striking variegation throughout the growing season. While the small yellow spring flowers are inconspicuous, the foliage color is the primary ornamental feature. The shrub is also thorny, which adds deer resistance and structural integrity.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Full sun for best color; tolerates light shade but may reduce variegation intensity.
• Soil: Well-drained soil of various types, including loam, clay, or sandy soils.
• Water: Moderate; water regularly during establishment, then only during prolonged dry periods.
• Humidity: Tolerates a variety of climates, including urban and humid environments.
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 4�8; cold hardy and resilient across much of the U.S.

Ideal Uses

• Accent Plantings: Bold foliage makes a strong visual statement in small spaces.
• Edging and Borders: Low height makes it ideal for front-of-bed plantings.
• Mass Plantings: Uniform shape and vibrant color add structure and rhythm in repeated plantings.
• Container Gardens: Compact habit is well-suited for decorative pots and patios.
• Foundation Beds: Adds contrast and color to low foundation plantings.

Low Maintenance Care

Admiration Barberry is extremely low maintenance and tolerant of a wide range of conditions. Its slow growth and tidy habit reduce the need for pruning, and it thrives with minimal attention once established.

• Watering: Water consistently during the first growing season; mature plants tolerate drought.
• Pruning: Rarely required; prune in late winter or early spring to maintain form if needed.
• Fertilizing: Apply a light dose of balanced fertilizer in early spring to promote growth.
• Pest & Disease Resistance: Highly resistant to deer, insects, and most diseases.
• Winter Care: No special care required; fully deciduous and hardy.

Why Choose Admiration Barberry?

Admiration Barberry (Berberis thunbergii 'Admiration') offers brilliant, lasting color in a petite package. Its glowing red and gold foliage, compact habit, and resilience make it a favorite for gardeners looking to brighten up small spaces or add definition to larger landscapes.

• Striking Foliage Color: Bright red-purple leaves with golden-yellow margins create dynamic contrast.
• Dwarf Size: Naturally compact and easy to fit into tight garden spaces or containers.
• Low Maintenance: Needs little care and resists common pests and deer.
• Season-Long Interest: Bold coloration remains vivid from spring through fall.
• Urban-Friendly: Excellent in city landscapes, parking strips, and patios.

For maximum color with minimum care, Admiration Barberry is a standout shrub that enhances gardens of all sizes with its bold foliage and refined form.