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Berberis thunbergii 'Red Chief'

Also Known As

  • Red Chief Barberry

Plant type

shrub

size

  • H: 6'-7'
  • W: 6'-7'

planting zones

  • 4a-9b

Berberis thunbergii 'Red Chief' plant details

Berberis thunbergii 'Red Chief' is a broadleaf deciduous shrub with burgundy foliage. In spring yellow flowers emerge followed by red fruit. Attracts bees 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, rich and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Berberis thunbergii 'Red Chief'

Plant type: shrub
Plant family: berberidaceae
Foliage: deciduous burgundy
Mature size: 6 FT - 7 FT - wide, 6 FT - 7 FT - tall
Flowers: yellow blooms in spring
Uses: easy-to-grow

GROWING CONDITIONS for Berberis thunbergii 'Red Chief'

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

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

This 6-7' barberry has glossy deep maroon leaves. Our plant has rich shiny foliage on its own or can be beautifully integrated into a perennial border.

Gardening facts about Berberis thunbergii 'Red Chief' plant

How to Grow Berberis thunbergii 'Red Chief'

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - mostly sun
  • Water Needs

    • regular - drought tolerant
  • Soil Needs

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

    • heat tolerant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • burgundy
  • Flower Color

    • yellow
  • Wildlife

    • bees
    • deer 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
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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
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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
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+162 more Berberis
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