Berberis-Golden Daybreak

Golden Daybreak Barberry

Barberry ‘Golden Daybreak’ (Berberis thunbergii ‘Golden Daybreak’) is a bright, deciduous Japanese barberry prized for its golden-yellow foliage that holds color through the growing season. The compact, rounded habit makes it an easy, high-contrast shrub for borders and foundation plantings.

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

Key features
Width / spread: 3–4 ft
Height: 3–4 ft
Foliage: Bright golden-yellow; best color in full sun
Flower color: Yellow (spring, not showy)
Fruit: Red berries (fall–winter)
Form: Dense, rounded shrub
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
Foundation plantings
Mixed shrub borders
Mass plantings for bright foliage contrast
Low hedges
Accent plantings

Notes
Golden foliage provides strong contrast with purple or green shrubs
More compact and controlled than older gold barberry selections
Spiny stems offer natural deer resistance
Minimal pruning required to maintain shape
Check local regulations, as Japanese barberry is restricted in some regions

Plant type

Deciduous Shrub

Height

3-4'

Width

3'-4'

Hardiness zones

4–8

Sunlight

Full Sun, Partial Shade

Bloom time

Spring

Leaf color

Orange, Red, Yellow

Soil

Clay, Loamy, Normal

Landscape use

Container, Mass Planting

Shape

Rounded

Drought tolerant

Yes