Berberis thunbergii 'Crimson Pygmy' (Crimson Pygmy Barberry)

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Berberis, Genus, thunbergii, Species, 'Crimson Pygmy', Cultivar,

Genus & species
Cultivar

crimson pygmy barberry

Berberidaceae Japan

Attracts Pollinators Deer Resistant Drought Tolerant Container Friendly

SunFull Sun – Part Shade

WaterLow · drought-tolerant

HardinessZones 4–8

Overview

Berberis thunbergii 'Crimson Pygmy' is a deciduous dwarf shrub reaching 18-24 inches (45-60 cm) tall with a 24-36 inch (60-90 cm) spread, forming a dense rounded mound. Stems carry single 1/4 to 1/2 inch (6-13 mm) spines at each node. Leaves are obovate to spatulate, 1/2 to 1 inch (1.3-2.5 cm) long, and emerge a deep red-purple in spring, holding the color through summer in full sun and fading to greenish-bronze in shade. Foliage turns red to crimson before drop in October-November. Pale yellow flowers, 1/4 inch (6 mm) across, hang singly or in small clusters along the stems in April-May. Bright red oblong berries, 1/3 inch (8 mm) long, ripen in September and persist into winter. Annual growth is 2-3 inches (5-7.5 cm); plants reach mature size in 5-7 years. B. thunbergii is listed as invasive in over 20 US states, and several New England jurisdictions restrict the sale of B. thunbergii cultivars under state nursery regulations. Spines make hand-weeding within the canopy difficult.

Native Range

Berberis thunbergii is native to Japan, where it grows in scrub, mountain slopes, and forest margins from sea level to 8,000 feet (2,440 m) elevation across Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu. The species was introduced to North America in the late 19th century as an ornamental and for hedging. B. thunbergii has since naturalized in disturbed forests and old fields across the eastern and midwestern United States.

Suggested Uses

Used as a low hedge, edging, or foundation planting at 24-36 inch (60-90 cm) spacing. Grows in 5-gallon (19 L) or larger containers with annual topdressing. Sale and planting of B. thunbergii cultivars is prohibited or restricted in New York, Maine, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and several other US states under nursery and invasive species regulations.

How to Identify

Distinguished from green-leaved B. thunbergii by deep red-purple foliage held throughout the growing season. Differs from larger purple cultivars such as B. thunbergii 'Atropurpurea' by a dwarf habit at 18-24 inches (45-60 cm) tall. Single 1/4-1/2 inch (6-13 mm) spines and obovate leaves separate it from B. julianae (clustered spines, narrow lanceolate leaves) and B. koreana (entire-margined leaves and pendant racemes).

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height1'6" - 2'

Width/Spread2' - 3'

Colors

Flower Colors

yellow

Foliage Colors

purple

red

Fall Foliage Colors

red

crimson

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~3 weeks

Flowers: April–May

Spring

Pale yellow flowers, 1/4 inch (6 mm) across, appear in April through early May in zones 4-6 and late March through April in zones 7-8. Individual flowers last 5-7 days; the full bloom period spans 2-3 weeks. Flowers hang singly or in 2-4 flowered clusters along the previous year wood. Red oblong berries follow, ripening in September and persisting on the stems through winter into the following spring.

Detailed Descriptions

Foliage Description

Deep red-purple, turning crimson in fall

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun SunPartial Shade

Requires 6-10 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 7.5 (Neutral to alkaline)

3579

Soil Types

loam clay sand

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Low

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Plants establish in 1-2 growing seasons with weekly watering during the first summer. Mature shrubs tolerate 3-4 weeks without rain in zones 5-7 and benefit from supplemental water during prolonged drought in zones 8 and warmer. Foliage color is deepest in 6 or more hours of direct sun; in less than 4 hours of sun, leaves turn bronze-green. Verticillium wilt occurs occasionally in heavy clay soils with poor drainage and causes branch dieback. Aphids may colonize new growth in May-June; populations decline as foliage hardens. Replacement is typical at 15-20 years as plants become woody at the base and flowering decreases.

Pruning

Cut overall size back by one-third in late winter (February-March) before bud break to maintain a compact mound. Removal of 2-3 of the oldest stems at ground level every 3-4 years renews flowering wood. Light shaping after spring flowering preserves the natural rounded form. Stems carry sharp spines at each node, and pruning generates substantial spiny debris.

Pruning Schedule

Prune: February–March

winterlate spring