Advanced Search Filters

Plant Type
Hardiness Zone
Heat Zone
Sunset Zone
Function
Sun Exposure
Soil Moisture
Water Requirement

Berberis buxifolia 'Pygmaea'

Image of Berberis buxifolia 'Pygmaea'

JC Raulston Arboretum at NC State University

Family

Berberidaceae

Botanical Name

Berberis buxifolia 'Pygmaea'

Plant Common Name

Dwarf Boxleaf Barberry

General Description

Dwarf boxleaf barberry is a slow growing evergreen plant, though it may be semi-evergreen where winters are harsh. This native of Chile and Argentina blooms heavily in the spring with small dark orange-yellow, fragrant flowers. These are followed by purple berry-like fruits. This shrub is tolerant of a wide variety of conditions but is happiest in a sunny, evenly moist location. Dwarf boxleaf barberry makes a nice low hedge or could be used in the rock garden.

Characteristics

  • AHS Heat Zone

    9 - 6

  • USDA Hardiness Zone

    6 - 9

  • Sunset Zone

    4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24

  • Plant Type

    Shrub

  • Sun Exposure

    Full Sun, Partial Sun

  • Height

    0"-0" / 0.0cm - 0.0cm (18)

  • Width

    0"-0" / 0.0cm - 0.0cm (24)

  • Bloom Time

    Spring, Late Spring

  • Native To

    Argentina, Chile

Growing Conditions

  • Soil pH

    Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline

  • Soil Drainage

    Average

  • Soil type

    Clay, Loam

  • Tolerances

    Pollution, Drought

  • Growth Rate

    Medium

  • Habit

    Oval/Rounded

  • Seasonal Interest

    Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Ornamental Features

  • Flower Interest

    Showy

  • Flower Color

    Yellow, Orange, Peach

  • Fruit Color

    Purple, Violet, Plum

  • Foliage Color (Spring)

    Gray Green, Dark Green

  • Foliage Color (Summer)

    Gray Green, Dark Green

  • Foliage Color (Fall)

    Gray Green, Dark Green

  • Foliage Color (Winter)

    Dark Green

  • Bark Color

    Chocolate

  • Fragrant Flowers

    No

  • Fragrant Fruit

    No

  • Fragrant Foliage

    No

  • Bark or Stem Fragrant

    No

  • Flower Petal Number

    Single

  • Repeat Bloomer

    No

  • Showy Fruit

    Yes

  • Edible Fruit

    Yes

  • Showy Foliage

    No

  • Foliage Texture

    Medium

  • Foliage Sheen

    Matte

  • Evergreen

    Yes

  • Showy Bark

    No

Special Characteristics

  • Bark Texture

    Smooth

  • Usage

    Edging, Hedges, Mixed Border, Rock Garden / Wall

  • Sharp or Has Thorns

    Yes

  • Invasive

    No

  • Attracts

    Birds

  • Self-Sowing

    No