Yes, there is a yellow variety of barberry bush known as Berberis thunbergii ‘Aurea’ or golden Japanese barberry. This variety has bright yellow foliage that provides nice contrast in the landscape. Like other barberries, it is a hardy, deciduous shrub that is relatively easy to grow.
Barberry Bush Overview
The barberry bush refers to a group of thorny, deciduous shrubs in the Berberis genus. There are around 450-500 species of barberry plants. They are native to Europe, Asia, Africa, and North and South America.
Some of the most popular garden varieties include:
– Japanese barberry (Berberis thunbergii) – This is an invasive species in North America but a popular landscape shrub.
– European barberry (Berberis vulgaris) – The original Old World species grown for medicinal uses.
– Alpine barberry (Berberis alpina) – A compact shrub for rock gardens and edges.
– Mentor barberry (Berberis x mentorensis) – A popular hybrid crossed with Japanese and European barberries.
– Red barberry (Berberis thunbergii ‘Atropurpurea’) – Has deep reddish-purple leaves.
– Golden barberry (Berberis thunbergii ‘Aurea’) – The yellow-leaved variety.
Barberries typically grow 3-6 feet tall and wide. They have small, oval leaves and small, yellow flowers that bloom in spring. Later in summer, the flowers give way to bright red, oval berries. Almost all barberry varieties have thorns on the branches.
Golden Barberry
The golden barberry (Berberis thunbergii ‘Aurea’) is a cultivar of the Japanese barberry. It has gained popularity as an ornamental shrub due to its brightly colored golden yellow foliage.
Here are some key facts about golden barberry:
– Deciduous shrub growing 4-5 feet tall and wide.
– Greenish-yellow leaves that turn more golden as they mature. Foliage remains yellow throughout growing season.
– Yellow flowers in spring followed by red berries.
– Spines along the branches.
– Hardy in USDA zones 4-8. Tolerates part shade.
– Deer resistant.
The vibrant yellow foliage of golden barberry makes it stand out in the landscape. It provides nice contrast when planted alongside shrubs with green or purple leaves. The yellow color pairs well with red and purple flowers.
Some popular companion plants for golden barberry include:
– Red twig dogwood
– Purple smokebush
– Blue spruce
– Purple coneflower
– Red roses
Growing Conditions
Golden barberry performs best in full sun but can tolerate partial shade. It prefers loamy, well-drained soil and is drought tolerant once established. Like other barberries, it is adaptable to a range of soil conditions including clay, sand, acidic, or alkaline soils.
Here are some tips for growing golden barberry:
– Plant in spring after the last frost. Space plants 4-6 feet apart.
– Prepare soil by mixing in compost or other organic material. Dig hole twice as wide as the container.
– Water deeply after planting and provide 1 inch of water per week during first growing season until established.
– Apply 2-3 inches of mulch around base to retain moisture. Replenish as needed.
– Prune selectively in late winter to shape and improve air circulation. Avoid shearing.
– Remove spent flowers after blooming to encourage more flowers next year.
– Monitor for common issues like powdery mildew and scale. Control with horticultural oils or neem oil.
– Protect from deer, rabbits, and other wildlife that may nibble on the foliage.
With proper siting, planting, and care golden barberry will thrive for 20+ years. It may need occasional pruning to maintain its compact form.
Landscaping Uses
The vibrant color makes golden barberry shine in many different garden situations:
Shrub Borders and Foundation Plantings
The bright foliage looks great lining walks and driveways or planted along the house foundation. It can provide year-round color and interest.
Specimen Plant
On its own, golden barberry makes a great focal point. Plant it where the yellow foliage can stand out against the backdrop.
Hedges and Screens
Golden barberry can be planted in a row to form a loose, informal hedge. The spines make it deterrent for people and animals.
Wildlife Gardens
The flowers provide pollen for bees and butterflies while the berries are eaten by songbirds in fall.
Xeriscapes
This tough, drought-resistant shrub is ideal for low water landscapes and rock gardens.
Container Planting
Grow golden barberry alone or with other plants like purple heuchera in patio pots and planters.
Cultivars
There are a few cultivars of golden barberry to choose from:
– ‘Aurea’ – This is the original introduction dating back to the 1860s. It grows 4-5 feet tall with bright yellow foliage.
– ‘Golden Nugget’ – A dwarf variety that only reaches 2 feet tall and wide. Yellow leaves.
– ‘Bagatelle’ – Another compact dwarf growing 2-3 feet tall. Smaller yellow leaves.
– ‘Tiny Gold’ – Also called Berberis thunbergii ‘UConnal’. Grows 18-24 inches tall with lime green new growth that matures to golden yellow.
For small spaces, look for the dwarf cultivars like ‘Golden Nugget’ or ‘Tiny Gold’. The standard ‘Aurea’ is best for larger landscapes where the bigger size is desired.
Problems with Golden Barberry
Golden barberry is relatively pest and disease resistant if given proper growing conditions. However, here are some potential problems to watch for:
– Powdery mildew – A fungal disease that coats leaves in white powdery growth. Improve air circulation and avoid overhead watering.
– Rust – Causes yellow/orange spots on leaves. Remove affected foliage.
– Scale insects – Armored sucking insects that latch onto stems and leaves. Prune out infestations or use horticultural oils.
– Leaf miners – Larvae that burrow and feed inside leaves creating winding tunnels. Pick off affected leaves.
– Spider mites – Tiny pests that suck juices and cause stippling damage. Knock off with water spray or use insecticidal soap.
– Deer browsing – Deer will nibble on barberry foliage and antler rub branches. Protect with fencing or repellents.
By providing proper care and quickly addressing any issues, you can keep problems to a minimum. Overall, golden barberry is not prone to many serious long-term problems.
Alternatives to Golden Barberry
If you like the look of golden barberry but want to consider other options, here are some alternate yellow-foliaged shrubs:
– Kerria – Deciduous shrub with yellow flowers and greenish-yellow leaves. Grows 4-8 feet tall.
– Coppertina ninebark – Has coppery-orange spring foliage that turns chartreuse in summer. Grows 5-8 feet.
– Euonymus alatus ‘Compactus’ – Dwarf burning bush cultivar with yellow fall color. Grows 6 feet tall.
– Forsythia – provides vibrant yellow flowers in spring.best in full sun. Grows 8-10 feet tall.
– Spirea – Some varieties like goldflame spirea have yellow-gold foliage. Grows 2-4 feet tall.
– Potentilla – Some species have yellow flowers and/or leaves. Most stay under 3 feet tall.
So those are some good alternatives to explore if you want yellow color but not specifically a barberry shrub. The euonymus, kerria, and forsythia also provide nice fall color.
Conclusion
The golden barberry (Berberis thunbergii ‘Aurea’) is a popular landscape shrub prized for its bright golden yellow foliage. This deciduous shrub grows 4-5 feet tall and wide, tolerates part shade, and is hardy in zones 4-8. Golden barberry provides year-round interest with yellow spring flowers, colorful summer foliage, red fall berries, and good fall color. It works well in borders, specimen plantings, wildlife gardens, and more. With proper siting and care, golden barberry is relatively pest and disease free. For those seeking a compact yellow-leaved shrub, dwarf cultivars like ‘Golden Nugget’ are ideal for small spaces. So if you are looking to add a spark of golden color to the garden, the yellow-foliaged barberry bushes are a great option.