Plant field guide
Barberry (Orange Rocket)
A columnar barberry with stunning coral-orange new growth that matures to mid-green, then turns ruby-red in fall. Narrow upright form is unique among barberries. Three-season color show.
Growing requirements
- Scientific name
- Berberis thunbergii 'Orange Rocket'
- Sun
- full sun
- Water
- low
- Height
- 36 in (91 cm) – 48 in (122 cm)
- Spread
- 18 in (46 cm) – 24 in (61 cm)
- Spacing
- Not recorded
- Hardiness zones & minimum temperature
- USDA 4–8; average annual extreme minimum from -30°F (-34.4°C). Hardiness does not predict local frost dates.
- Difficulty
- easy
Planting & seasonal timing
Northern Hemisphere planting months: not yet verified in our database.
Northern Hemisphere pruning months: March, April.
For the Southern Hemisphere, these seasonal windows shift approximately six months. Check your local frost forecast, soil temperature, and species requirements; calendar months are not a guarantee of planting safety.
Unique columnar form among barberries. Excellent as a vertical accent. Three-season color from coral spring to green summer to red fall. Less invasive than species. Thorny and deer proof.
Pruning
Minimal pruning needed - maintain natural columnar form. Tip-prune to encourage density.
Fertilizer
Balanced slow-release
Early spring if needed
Mulch
2-3 inches of organic mulch.