In every landscape, there are plants that add consistent color and character without the need for a bold or flashy statement. They serve to complement, not compete, and usually have the added benefit of being easy to care for. One of the best plants for this use case is the Crimson Pygmy Japanese barberry.
With purple, red and bronze foliage from spring to fall, Crimson Pygmy barberry loves to grow low and slow in garden beds, planter boxes, and along borders. It boasts red berries in summer and shades of orange in fall. Plant Crimson Pygmy barberry in direct sunlight if at all possible. Partial sun is manageable, but the leaves might remain mostly green. Water frequently at first and then decrease to weekly waterings once the plant is established. To help with planning, note that Crimson Pygmy barberry grows to approximately 2-3 feet tall and 2-3 feet wide.
Did You Know?
Crimson Pygmy barberry becomes not only drought tolerant, but also resistant to pollution, deer, and many insects. This compact shrub is as hardy as it is pretty!
Other Fun Facts About Crimson Pygmy Barberry
- Crimson Pygmy barberry earned the Award of Garden Merit from the Royal Horticultural Society in the UK.
- Japanese barberry was first introduced to the U.S. in 1875. The Crimson Pygmy variety was developed in Holland in 1942.
- Crimson Pygmy barberry often attracts birds and butterflies, bringing even more nature to your garden.
- We’re not done telling you how hardy this plant is without making one more point: it can withstand temperatures down to -30 degrees!
