Berberis thunbergii f. atropurpurea 'Admiration'

Japanese Barberry 'Admiration'

Berberis thunbergii f. atropurpurea ‘Admiration’ — commonly sold as Admiration® Japanese Barberry — is a compact, dwarf barberry prized for its striking red foliage edged in bright golden yellow. The tidy, rounded habit and vivid variegation make it a standout accent plant for borders and foundations.

Small yellow flowers appear in spring, followed by red berries in fall that add seasonal interest.

Key features
Width / spread: 1.5–2 ft
Height: 1.5–2 ft
Foliage: Deep red with narrow golden-yellow margins
Flower color: Yellow (spring, not showy)
Fruit: Red berries (fall–winter)
Form: Dense, compact, rounded mound
Life cycle: Deciduous shrub

Growing conditions
Sun: Full sun (best color) to light shade
Soil: Well-drained; adaptable to a wide range of soils
Water: Low to moderate; drought tolerant once established
Hardiness:



Zone Low: 4a



Zone High: 8b



Landscape use
Low borders and edging
Foundation plantings
Mass plantings for color contrast
Containers
Accent plantings

Notes
Extremely compact—ideal for small spaces
High-contrast foliage holds color well through summer
Spiny stems provide natural deer resistance
Minimal pruning required.

Check local regulations, as Japanese barberry is restricted in some regions

Plant type

Deciduous Shrub

Height

1.5-2'

Width

1.5-2'

Hardiness zones

4–8

Sunlight

Full Sun, Partial Shade

Bloom time

Fall, Spring, Summer

Flower color

Orange, Red, Yellow

Leaf color

Green, Red

Fruit color

Dark Red, Red

Soil

Clay, Loamy, Well Drained

Landscape use

Border, Foundation, Mass Planting

Shape

Rounded

Bark

Smooth

Deer resistant

Yes

Drought tolerant

Yes