Crimson Cutie Barberry

Crimson Cutie Barberry (Berberis thunbergii 'Crimson Cutie')

Crimson Cutie Barberry (Berberis thunbergii 'Crimson Cutie') is a compact, vibrant shrub developed for bold color and a tidy habit. Its deep red foliage stands out across seasons, making it a strong accent for borders, foundations, and containers. Bred for low maintenance and a sterile growth habit, Crimson Cutie offers the ornamental appeal of traditional barberries without unwanted seedlings.

Distinctive Features

This selection grows 18 to 24 inches tall and 30 to 36 inches wide, forming a naturally rounded mound. The foliage emerges bright red in spring and deepens to a rich burgundy through summer, holding its color well into fall. Unlike many barberries, Crimson Cutie produces no viable seed, making it an ideal choice for areas where invasiveness is a concern. Its dense branching and thorny stems provide year-round structure and deterrence for deer and foot traffic.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Full sun is ideal for the most intense foliage color.
• Soil: Adaptable to most well-drained soils, including clay and rocky types.
• Water: Moderate; establish with consistent watering, then tolerate dry spells.
• Humidity: Performs well across a variety of climates, from humid summers to drier regions.
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 4�8; reliably cold hardy and heat tolerant.

Ideal Uses

• Foundation Plantings: Neat shape and consistent color are ideal near homes and patios.
• Edging and Borders: Low height and spread make it perfect for defining beds and walkways.
• Mass Plantings: Uniform habit lends well to rows or groupings for color blocks.
• Containers: Drought tolerance and dense form make it excellent in decorative pots.
• Wildlife Barriers: Thorny stems provide mild security near fences or open beds.

Low Maintenance Care

Crimson Cutie Barberry requires little maintenance once established. It�s naturally compact, disease-resistant, and self-contained, eliminating the need for pruning or deadheading.

• Watering: Maintain moderate watering during the first season; reduce after establishment.
• Pruning: Minimal; prune in late winter or early spring to shape if needed.
• Fertilizing: Use a general-purpose fertilizer in early spring to encourage lush foliage.
• Pest & Disease Resistance: Naturally resistant to deer, insects, and most landscape diseases.
• Winter Care: Fully hardy; no winter protection required in most zones.

Why Choose Crimson Cutie Barberry?

Crimson Cutie Barberry (Berberis thunbergii 'Crimson Cutie') blends modern breeding with timeless landscape function. Its sterile habit, strong coloration, and compact shape make it a standout for worry-free color in contemporary gardens.

• Deep Red Foliage: Vivid leaf color holds throughout the growing season.
• Sterile Selection: No seed production reduces spread and invasiveness.
• Compact Form: Tidy, rounded habit requires no shaping or trimming.
• Great for Containers: Excellent in pots and tight planting zones.
• Adaptable and Resilient: Thrives in sun, poor soil, and urban settings.

Crimson Cutie is an easy, colorful, and sustainable option for small gardens, modern landscapes, and container plantings alike.