Crimson Pygmy Japanese Barberry Berberis thunbergii 'Crimson Pygmy'

'Crimson Pygmy' is the most popular form of Berberis thunbergii due to its beautiful leaves and compact mounded habit.  This deciduous, flowering shrub is fairly pest-free, easy to grow and easy to care for. The springtime flowers and the colorful fall leaves make this plant a popular dwarf selection.

'Crimson Pygmy' does best in full sun to maximize flower production, but does tolerate partial shade. It will do well in well-drained average soil, clay and dry soil. It is heat and drought tolerant, but will not do well in wet soils. 'Crimson Pygmy' spreads slowly by creeping roots and by self-seeding (assisted by birds that eat the fruit and distribute the seed).

'Crimson Pygmy' can be pruned to remove dead branches, rejuvenate older plants, or maintain it as a hedge. Be aware when pruning that flowers appear on new growth. Plant branches may root where they touch the ground. Note that this species is considered to be highly invasive in some areas of eastern North America including North Carolina.

Awarded by the Royal Horticultural Society: Award of Good Merit

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: While not many major problems occur with this plant, be aware of the spiny stems and the following potential susceptibilities: root rots, aphids, scale, wilt, barberry webworm, anthracnose, and bacterial leaf spot.  It can be affected by powdery mildew.

VIDEO created by Andy Pulte for “Landscape Plant Identification, Taxonomy and Morphology” a plant identification course offered by the Department of Plant Sciences, University of Tennessee.

More information on Berberis thunbergii.