barberry

A wide assortment of thorny, deciduous shrubs with excellent deer resistance and brightly colored foliage in shades of yellow, purple, red and variegated. Growth forms vary from low and mounded to vase shaped to columnar. They make a superb choice for adding three seasons of interest in landscape borders or foundation plantings.

Plant in well-drained, amended soil. Water well after planting; maintain 1” of water once a week the first year. Little pruning needed; shapes itself nicely. Remove dead branches at any time. Feed at least twice during the growing season with a slow release fertilizer in early spring and again mid-summer. Follow label instructions. Mulch 2″ to suppress weeds, retain moisture and protect against extremes of soil temperature.