Japanese barberry 'Aurea' (Berberis thunbergii 'Aurea')

Japanese barberry 'Aurea'

Also known as: Red barberry 'Aurea'

The japanese barberry 'Aurea' is a cultivar from the Japanese barberry that is sometimes referred to as golden Japanese barberry. It received this name for its yellow blooms since Aurea means gold. It gets tiny yellow flowers but they aren't very noticeable against its foliage. In the fall, red berries appear and its foliage will get some red and orange accents. It is recommended for hedges. Birds are also attracted to it.

Scientific classification

Buttercups, poppies and allies

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Perennial

Lifespan

Shrub

Plant Type

Spring

Bloom Time

Fall

Harvest Time

80 cm

Plant Height

80 cm

Spread

Yellow, Green

Leaf Color

8 mm to 2 cm

Flower Size

Red

Fruit Color

Yellow

Flower Color

Winter dormancy

Dormancy

Quickly Identify Japanese barberry 'Aurea'

Golden-yellow foliage for vibrant color contrast.

Non-showy pale yellow flowers in short racemes.

Small bright red berries with glossy texture.

Simple leaves, vibrant yellow to red-orange.

Angular dark brown stems with single spines.

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Care Guide for Japanese barberry 'Aurea'

Twice per week

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

5 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Water: Japanese barberry 'Aurea' thrives in moderate moisture environments, preferring consistent moisture with a watering schedule of twice a week. This outdoor shrub is resilient to weather variations, maintaining vibrant foliage despite sporadic rainfall, making it suitable for landscaped gardens.

Fertilize: Japanese barberry 'Aurea' requires additional nutrition through slow-release, shrub-type fertilizers rich in nitrogen. Mixing organic fertilizer with topsoil is beneficial. Apply a 5 cm (2 in) layer of mulch, like wood chips or pine needles, around the plant, avoiding contact with the trunk to prevent stem rot.

Pruning: Japanese barberry 'Aurea' features vibrant golden foliage and thrives with early spring pruning. Remove dead branches, thin dense areas for better air circulation, and shape the plant to promote healthy growth. Pruning enhances disease resistance and controls growth. Always use clean, sharp tools to reduce stress and infection risk.

Propagation: Japanese barberry 'Aurea' is prized for its golden-yellow foliage. Propagate by taking semi-hardwood cuttings with clean tools, using rooting hormone, and planting in well-draining soil with perlite. Maintain bright, indirect light and high humidity to encourage rooting, leading to healthy plant growth.

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