Berberis thunbergii ?Kobold?

Japanese Kobold Barberry

Berberis thunbergii ‘Kobold’ (Kobold Barberry)

A compact, dense deciduous shrub, Berberis thunbergii ‘Kobold’ forms a tight, rounded mound of small, rich green leaves. It produces tiny yellow flowers in spring, followed by small red berries that persist into fall. The foliage transitions to attractive shades of orange and red in autumn. Its naturally neat, low-growing habit makes it a reliable choice for structured plantings and low-maintenance landscapes.

Type: Deciduous shrub
Mature Size: 2–3′ W × 2–3′ H
USDA Zones: 4a–8b
Form: Dense, rounded, compact

Light: Full sun to part shade (best color in full sun)
Soil: Adaptable; tolerates a range of soils including clay
Water: Low to moderate; drought tolerant once established

Bloom Time: Spring
Bloom Length: Short; typically 1–2 weeks

Wildlife: Birds (fruit)

Features & Landscape Uses:
Foundation plantings, low hedges, borders, mass plantings, edging, drought-tolerant landscapes

Care:
Very low maintenance. Prune as needed to maintain shape. Tolerates shearing well if a formal look is desired. Highly adaptable but avoid overly wet soils. Deer resistant.

Plant type

Deciduous Shrub

Height

2-3'

Width

2-3'

Hardiness zones

4–8

Sunlight

Full Sun, Partial Shade

Bloom time

Late Spring, Spring

Flower color

Yellow

Leaf color

Green

Fall color

Red, Yellow

Fruit color

Dark Red, Red

Attracts

Birds

Soil

Clay, Highly Adaptable

Landscape use

Container, Foundation, Mass Planting

Shape

Compact, Mounded, Rounded

Bark

Smooth

Deer resistant

Yes

Drought tolerant

Yes