Berberis thunbergii 'Aurea'

Also Known As

Berberis thunbergii 'Aurea Nana'
Aurea Barberry

Plant type

shrub

size

H: 3'-5'
W: 2"-4'

planting zones

4a-9b

More Options

Berberis thunbergii 'Aurea' plant details

Berberis thunbergii 'Aurea' is a slow-growing broadleaf deciduous shrub with chartreuse and gold foliage. In spring yellow flowers emerge followed by red fruit. Attracts bees and birds making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun - mostly sun and regular - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Adapts to various soil conditions. Does well in acidic, average, clay, gritty, rich and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Berberis thunbergii 'Aurea'

Plant type: shrub
Plant family: berberidaceae
Foliage: deciduous chartreuse and gold
Mature size: 2 IN - 4 FT - wide, 3 FT - 5 FT - tall
Flowers: yellow blooms in spring
Uses: cutting garden, easy-to-grow, fall color, fall interest, glowing, hedge, spiky

GROWING CONDITIONS for Berberis thunbergii 'Aurea'

USDA Zones: 4a - 9b
Sun exposure: sun - mostly sun
Watering frequency: regular - low
Resistant to: deer and rabbit, heat
Soil needs: acidic, average, clay, gritty, rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Cheerful bright yellow leaves all during the growing season make this high contrast plant perfect for that special accent; this multi-stemmed 3-5' shrub is thorny making it a good barrier plant, the gold-foliage needs sun, otherwise it fades to chartreuse, it has wonderful little yellow flowers yet they get lost in the glow until they become brilliant-red berries that persist after the gorgeous orange to red fall color show. S/M

By: Forestfarm

This is a knockout in the landscape, with its bright yellow small leaves. Dense, small deciduous shrub that doesn't fruit or flower too heavily.

By: Garden World

If you’re looking for contrast in a shrub, look no further! Bright yellow foliage retains its color well in full sun all season.

By: Maples N More Nursery

Small slow growing shrub with bright yellow leaves. Offers excellent contrast with other green plants. Good for a hot sunny spot. Grows to about 3' tall in ten years. Recommended by: the United States National Arboretum.

By: Fantastic Plants

An intensely golden yellow barberry when leaves first emerge in spring and which green up just a little bit as the leaves mature. The low, rounded shrub looks gorgeous in Fall with the golden foliage when it develops red berries. Foliage turns red as fall approaches. In very warm areas will appreciate a bit of afternoon shade.

By: Lazy S'S Farm Nursery

This barbery has small golden yellow leaves all spring and summer. Plants will get to 2' tall and make a rounded mound of foliage. B. thunbergii 'Aurea Nana' likes some afternoon shade to keep from burning.