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BERBERIS thunbergii 'Aurea Nana'

Image of Berberis thunbergii 'Aurea Nana'

Gerald L. Klingaman

Family

Berberidaceae

Botanical Name

BERBERIS thunbergii 'Aurea Nana'

Plant Common Name

Golden Dwarf Barberry, Japanese Barberry

General Description

Golden dwarf barberry is a dense, compact shrub that originates from eastern Asia and Japan. Its small, attractive, golden-green leaves turn orange-yellow in the fall. Bright red berries, which are attractive to birds, appear in late summer to fall and persist into winter.

Provide 'Aurea Nana' with full to part sun and average, well-drained soil. Thorny, but still suitable for hedges and barriers, it also makes a nice accent plant. This is a tough shrub that is tolerant of many soil types and sites.

Characteristics

  • AHS Heat Zone

    8 - 5

  • USDA Hardiness Zone

    4 - 8

  • Sunset Zone

    A3, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24

  • Plant Type

    Shrub

  • Sun Exposure

    Full Sun, Partial Sun

  • Height

    3'-4' / 0.9m - 1.2m

  • Width

    3'-4' / 0.9m - 1.2m

  • Bloom Time

    Spring, Late Spring

  • Native To

    Southern Europe, Central Asia, Eastern Asia, Japan

Growing Conditions

  • Soil pH

    Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline

  • Soil Drainage

    Well Drained

  • Soil type

    Clay, Loam, Sand

  • Tolerances

    Pollution, Drought, Salt, Soil Compaction

  • Growth Rate

    Medium

  • Habit

    Oval/Rounded

  • Seasonal Interest

    Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Ornamental Features

  • Flower Interest

    Insignificant

  • Flower Color

    Yellow Green, Gold

  • Fruit Color

    Red, Crimson, Dark Red

  • Foliage Color (Spring)

    Gold

  • Foliage Color (Summer)

    Yellow Green, Gold

  • Foliage Color (Fall)

    Orange, Gold, Burgundy, Crimson

  • Bark Color

    Brown

  • 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

    No

  • Showy Foliage

    Yes

  • Foliage Texture

    Medium

  • Foliage Sheen

    Matte

  • Evergreen

    No

  • Showy Bark

    No

Special Characteristics

  • Bark Texture

    Smooth

  • Usage

    Edging, Foundation, Hedges, Mixed Border, Rock Garden / Wall

  • Sharp or Has Thorns

    Yes

  • Invasive

    Sometimes

  • Attracts

    Birds

  • Self-Sowing

    Yes