Skip to content
Log inStart trial

Japanese Barberry

Berberis Thunbergii 'Aurea'

Design with this plant

Overview

Japanese Barberry 'Aurea' (Berberis thunbergii 'Aurea') is a vibrant, compact shrub, reaching 3-4 feet high and wide. Its golden-yellow foliage offers brilliant year-round interest, while tiny, red berries add fall and winter appeal. Thorny stems provide a deterrent to wildlife, making it ideal for barriers. Thrives in full sun to part shade, in well-drained soil. Drought tolerant once established; suited for USDA zones 4-8.

Sun Full, HalfWater MediumZones 4–10Type ShrubClimate Temperate
Japanese Barberry (Berberis Thunbergii 'Aurea') — where its leaves can achieve the brightest hue; commonly referred to as Japanese Barberry, image 58

Culture

Sun
Full, Half
Water
Medium
USDA zones
4–10

Shape & size

Classification

Type
Shrub
Family
Berberidaceae
Climate
Temperate

See full data, regional cultivation notes, and design tools. Build a client presentation around this plant.

Start your 14-day trial

Photos (91)

Japanese Barberry (Berberis Thunbergii 'Aurea') — Regular pruning may be necessary to maintain its desired shape and to prevent overgrowth; drought, image 61
Japanese Barberry (Berberis Thunbergii 'Aurea') — commonly referred to as Japanese Barberry; its golden-yellow foliage offers brilliant year-round, image 73
Japanese Barberry (Berberis Thunbergii 'Aurea') — yellow flowers in the garden
Japanese Barberry (Berberis Thunbergii 'Aurea') — this shrub is also deer-resistant and not particularly prone to pests or diseases.<br><br>When planting
Japanese Barberry (Berberis Thunbergii 'Aurea') — Thorny stems provide a deterrent to wildlife, making it ideal for barriers; red berries add fall, image 48
Japanese Barberry (Berberis Thunbergii 'Aurea') — Drought tolerant once established; suited for USDA zones 4-8; regular pruning may be necessary to, image 50
Japanese Barberry (Berberis Thunbergii 'Aurea') — Japanese Barberry 'Aurea' prefers full sun to partial shade; shrub for full or half, image 57
Japanese Barberry (Berberis Thunbergii 'Aurea') — yellow flowers in the garden; thrives in full sun to part shade, in well-drained soil
Japanese Barberry (Berberis Thunbergii 'Aurea') — Regular pruning may be necessary to maintain its desired shape and to prevent overgrowth; drought tolerant
Japanese Barberry (Berberis Thunbergii 'Aurea') — Japanese Barberry 'Aurea' prefers full sun to partial shade; shrub for full or half
Japanese Barberry (Berberis Thunbergii 'Aurea') — red berries add fall and winter appeal; with its compact size and distinctive color palette
Japanese Barberry (Berberis Thunbergii 'Aurea') — red berries add fall and winter appeal; with its compact size and distinctive color palette, image 47
Japanese Barberry (Berberis Thunbergii 'Aurea') — this plant is an exceptional choice for clients seeking year-round interest in their garden
Japanese Barberry (Berberis Thunbergii 'Aurea') — this plant is an exceptional choice for clients seeking year-round interest in their garden, image 85
Japanese Barberry (Berberis Thunbergii 'Aurea') — low-growing hedge for added privacy or security; reaching 3-4 feet high and wide, image 76
Japanese Barberry (Berberis Thunbergii 'Aurea') — red berries add fall and winter appeal
Japanese Barberry (Berberis Thunbergii 'Aurea') — low-growing hedge for added privacy or security; reaching 3-4 feet high and wide, image 54
Japanese Barberry (Berberis Thunbergii 'Aurea') — Drought tolerant once established; suited for USDA zones 4-8; regular pruning may be necessary to, image 72
Japanese Barberry (Berberis Thunbergii 'Aurea') — shrub with yellow blooms
Japanese Barberry (Berberis Thunbergii 'Aurea') — Drought tolerant once established; suited for USDA zones 4-8
Japanese Barberry (Berberis Thunbergii 'Aurea') — It is characterized by its vibrant golden-yellow foliage which emerges in the spring; this shrub is also
Japanese Barberry (Berberis Thunbergii 'Aurea') — shrub with yellow blooms; showcasing its adaptability across various climates.<br><br>For optimal, image 65
Japanese Barberry (Berberis Thunbergii 'Aurea') — Thorny stems provide a deterrent to wildlife, making it ideal for barriers; red berries add fall and winter
Japanese Barberry (Berberis Thunbergii 'Aurea') — reaching 3-4 feet high and wide; thorny stems provide a deterrent to wildlife, making it ideal, image 67
Photographs by 16 contributors

Related plants

Algerita Barberry (Berberis Trifoliolata) — This drought-tolerant plant thrives in full sun to partial shade in well-drained soils

Shrub

Algerita Barberry

Berberis Trifoliolata

FullUSDA 7–10
Amber Queen Barrenwort (Epimedium 'Amber Queen') — Hardy in zones 5-9, it thrives in partial to full shade and well-drained soil

Ground cover

Amber Queen Barrenwort

Epimedium 'Amber Queen'

Deep ShadeUSDA 4–8
Barrenwort (Epimedium Alpinum) — <br><br>The flowers of Barrenwort appear from mid to late spring; it typically reaches a height of 12 to 15 inches with a

Ground cover

Barrenwort

Epimedium Alpinum

HalfUSDA 4–7
Beale's Barberry (Mahonia Japonica 'Bealei') — Its resilience to pests and diseases; its intricate compound leaves

Broadleaf Evergreen

Beale's Barberry

Mahonia Japonica 'Bealei'

HalfUSDA 7–9
Bicolor Barrenwort (Epimedium X Versicolor 'Sulphureum') — It features heart-shaped leaves and dainty, yellow and lavender-tinted flowers in spring

Ground cover

Bicolor Barrenwort

Epimedium X Versicolor 'Sulphureum'

HalfUSDA 5–8
Bishop's Hat (Epimedium 'Niveum') — which appear in abundance from mid to late spring

Ground cover

Bishop's Hat

Epimedium 'Niveum'

HalfUSDA 4–8