Dwarf Japanese barberry (Berberis thunbergii 'Golden Nugget') BER-ber-iss thun-BER-jee-eye Genus:  Berberis 'Golden Nugget' is a deciduous shrub with non-burning foliage. It is a slow grower (to only about 1 foot tall) and makes a good border plant, especially when planted with darker foliage plants or brightly colored flowers, or a groundcover. Grow in full sun for best color and berry production. It tolerates poor soils as long as drainage is good.The foliage has an orange cast for most of the season, which intensifies in the autumn. Noteworthy Characteristics:  Dwarf habit; slow-growing; good foliage color into fall; red berries. All parts of the plant can cause stomach upset if eaten. Care:  Full sun (for better autumn color and berries) or partial shade in almost any well-drained soil. Trim hedges after flowering. Some barberries are invasive. Propagation:  Root softwood cuttings or take semi-ripe cuttings in summer. Problems:  Scale insects, mites, and Japanese weevils can be problems. Berberis are prone to canker, dieback, fungal leaf spots, powdery mildew, root rot, Verticillium wilt, and rust diseases.

Overview

Height 6 in. to 12 in. Spread 1 ft. to 3 ft. Growth Pace Invasive/Aggressive Grower, Moderate Grower Light Full Sun to Part Shade Moisture Medium Moisture Maintenance Moderate Characteristics Attracts Song Birds, Showy Foliage Bloom Time Spring Flower Color Yellow Foliage Color Colorful/Burgundy Foliage Uses Beds and Borders, Specimen Plant/Focal Point Seasonal Interest Summer Interest Tolerance Deer Tolerant Type Shrubs