Photo of Berberis thunbergii 'Orange Rocket' foliage by Karl Gercens III

Photo by Karl Gercens III

Used with permission, all rights reserved

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Berberis thunbergii 'Orange Rocket'

Also Known As

  • Orange Rocket Barberry

Plant type

shrub

size

  • H: 4'-5'
  • W: 3'-5'

planting zones

  • 5a-9b

More Options

Berberis thunbergii 'Orange Rocket' plant details

Berberis thunbergii 'Orange Rocket' is a broadleaf deciduous shrub with apricot, bronze, burgundy and red foliage. In spring yellow flowers emerge followed by red fruit. Grows well with sun - mostly shade and regular - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Adapts to various soil conditions. Does well in average, clay, gritty, rich and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Berberis thunbergii 'Orange Rocket'

Plant type: shrub
Plant family: berberidaceae
Foliage: deciduous apricot, bronze, burgundy and red
Mature size: 3 FT - 5 FT - wide, 4 FT - 5 FT - tall
Flowers: yellow blooms in spring
Uses: border plant, columnar, container plant, easy-to-grow, fall color, hedge, showy, spiky, xeric

GROWING CONDITIONS for Berberis thunbergii 'Orange Rocket'

USDA Zones: 5a - 9b
Sun exposure: sun - mostly shade
Watering frequency: regular - low
Resistant to: deer and rabbit, heat
Soil needs: average, clay, gritty, rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

One of our FAVORITE shrubs, this coppery orange-redhead shows off in the garden! Upright growth in compact spires on prickled stems (deer won’t eat it) emerges a brilliant orange red, then settles down to a nice rust for the summer, bright-red in fall. Deciduous. 3-4’ high and 4-5’ wide over time. Carefree, most soils, drought tolerant, full sun for bestest color!
We saw this plant in July and it had brilliant orange red leaves. B. ‘Orange Rocket isn’t for the faint of heart.

Gardening facts about Berberis thunbergii 'Orange Rocket' plant

How to Grow Berberis thunbergii 'Orange Rocket'

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - mostly shade
  • Water Needs

    • regular - drought tolerant
  • Soil Needs

    • clay
    • adaptable
    • average
    • well-drained
    • rich
    • gritty
  • Special Situation

    • heat tolerant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • red
    • apricot
    • bronze
    • burgundy
  • Flower Color

    • yellow
  • Wildlife

    • deer resistant
    • rabbit resistant
  • Fruit

    • red
  • Flower Season

    • spring
  • Foliage Season

    • deciduous

See other plant types of Berberis for your garden

aka Berberis darwinii [RCH 404], Darwin Barberry, Darwin's Barberry, Michay

Plant Type

Shrub

Zones

7a-10b

Size

Height: 6'-10'

Width: 4'-10'

  • sun - mostly shade
  • regular - drought tolerant
Photo of Berberis darwinii flower by Far Out Flora
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aka Berberis 'Red Jewel', Red Japanese Barberry, Red Jewel Barberry

Plant Type

Shrub

Zones

6a-9b

Size

Height: 2'-5'

Width: 2'-5'

  • sun - mostly sun
  • regular - drought tolerant
Photo of Berberis x media 'Red Jewel' foliage by Karl Gercens III
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More Options

aka Amstelveen Barberry

Plant Type

Shrub

Zones

6a-9b

Size

Height: 2'-3'

Width: 2'-3'

  • sun - mostly sun
  • regular - drought tolerant
Photo of Berberis x frikartii 'Amstelveen' foliage by Forestfarm
View Plant

aka Berberis 'Orange King', Orange King Barberry

Plant Type

Shrub

Zones

7b-10b

Size

Height: 4'-8'

Width: 4'-8'

  • sun - mostly shade
  • regular - drought tolerant
Photo of Berberis trigona 'Orange King' flower by Achilles
View Plant

More Options

aka Barberry

Plant Type

Shrub

Zones

6a-10a

Size

Height: 6'-10'

Width: 6'-10'

  • sun - dappled shade
  • regular - occasional
Photo of Berberis temolaica foliage by Evan Bean
View Plant
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