Japanese Barberry Berberis thunbergii 'Golden Rocket' (PBR)
ABOUT
The Japanese Barberry 'Golden Rocket' is a visually striking shrub characterized by its vibrant foliage and upright, columnar growth habit. It exudes a brilliant gold color through its leaves, which offers a radiant contrast to the typical greens found in a garden landscape. The foliage maintains its color throughout the growing season, and in autumn, the leaves often transform into a range of oranges and reds, adding to the plant's visual appeal. The contrast between its bright foliage and reddish-brown stems is quite striking. This shrub can produce tiny, inconspicuous yellow flowers in the spring, which might develop into small, red berries as the season progresses. The berries can add an additional layer of interest in the fall and winter, often attracting birds. Its slender branches form a dense, narrow shape, which makes it an ideal choice for creating a lively, colorful hedge or a standalone accent in a landscape without taking up much horizontal space.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Berberidaceae
Synonyms
Japanese Barberry, Golden Rocket Barberry
Common names
Berberis thunbergii 'Golden Rocket' (PBR).
ToxicityTo humans
The Japanese barberry is known to be mildly toxic to humans if ingested. Its berries, roots, and leaves contain berberine, an alkaloid that can potentially cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and dizziness if consumed in significant quantities. It is generally advised to avoid eating any part of the plant.
To pets
The Japanese barberry can also be toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. Similar to its effects on humans, the ingestion of its berries, leaves, or roots can lead to gastrointestinal upset, including vomiting and diarrhea. Symptoms of poisoning may vary in severity, but it is recommended to keep pets away from the plant and consult a veterinarian if there are signs of barberry ingestion.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Yellow
Flower color
Yellow
Height
4 feet (1.2 meters)
Spread
2 feet (0.6 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Japan
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: Adds vibrant color to the landscape with its bright yellow foliage and reddish fall colors.
- Compact Growth: Ideal for small gardens with its upright and narrow growth habit.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care once established, making it convenient for busy gardeners.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it can tolerate dry conditions, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Seasonal Interest: Provides visual interest throughout spring, summer, and fall.
- Wildlife Attraction: Attracts birds with its berries, offering food and shelter.
- Privacy Screen: Can be used as a hedge or screen to increase privacy in garden spaces.
- Adaptability: Adapts well to a variety of soil types and conditions.
- Deer Resistance: Tends to be resistant to deer browsing, which can be an advantage in areas with large deer populations.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Japanese Barberry 'Golden Rocket' can be used to add a contrasting color element in floral arrangements due to its vibrant, golden-yellow foliage.
- Photographers and artists may use the plant as a subject for artworks or photographic series, capturing the seasonal color changes.
- The dense habit of Japanese Barberry 'Golden Rocket' makes it suitable for creating hidden spaces or secret gardens in larger landscape designs.
- This plant's thorny branches can be included in defensive plantings around vulnerable areas of a property to deter trespassers and wildlife.
- Japanese Barberry 'Golden Rocket' can be used in educational settings, such as schools or botanical gardens, to teach about plant variation and breeding.
- The plant is a candidate for bonsai cultivation due to its distinct color and manageable size, appealing to bonsai enthusiasts.
- The wood from pruned branches can be used in small-scale crafting projects or as part of decorative elements in rustic art pieces.
- Japanese Barberry 'Golden Rocket' can be utilized in theme gardens, like gold or yellow-themed spaces, due to its unique foliage.
- Its resistance to many pests makes it an ideal comparison plant in studies on pest resistance and plant health.
- As an ornamental feature, it can be planted in containers on patios and balconies where space is limited, providing color and form without requiring a large garden space.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Japanese Barberry is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Japanese Barberry is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Resilience: Berberis thunbergii, commonly known as the Japanese Barberry, is a hardy and resilient shrub, representing the ability to withstand hardships and adversity.
- Protectiveness: The thorns of the Japanese Barberry serve as a protective mechanism for the plant, symbolizing defense and the need to guard oneself against harm.
- Sharpness: Just as the thorns of the plant are sharp, they symbolize clarity of thought, wit, and the ability to cut through deceit.
WaterJapanese Barberry 'Golden Rocket' should be watered deeply and evenly, ensuring the soil is moist but not waterlogged. During the growing season in spring and summer, water the plant approximately once a week with about 1 to 1.5 gallons of water, depending on the weather conditions. In hotter, drier periods, more frequent watering may be necessary. During fall and less actively growing seasons, watering can be reduced; observe the soil moisture level and water if the top inch feels dry. It's important not to overwater, as this plant is somewhat drought tolerant and excessive moisture can lead to root rot.
LightJapanese Barberry 'Golden Rocket' thrives best in full sun to partial shade. The most ideal spot for the plant is one where it can receive at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. However, it can also tolerate some shade, particularly during the hottest parts of the day, which can help prevent leaf scorch in extremely hot climates.
TemperatureJapanese Barberry 'Golden Rocket' is a hardy plant that can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. It can survive in temperatures as low as -30°F and as high as 100°F. However, the ideal temperature conditions for this plant reside between 60°F and 70°F. It is important to ensure the plant is well-mulched to protect its root system during extreme cold weather.
PruningPrune Japanese Barberry 'Golden Rocket' to maintain its shape, size, and to remove any dead or diseased branches. Pruning is best done in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Pruning can also be done after the plant has flowered, as necessary. Aim to remove no more than one-third of the plant at a time to keep it healthy and thriving.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe ideal soil mix for Japanese Barberry 'Golden Rocket' should be well-draining with some organic material. A mixture of loam, sand, and compost is suitable, aiming for a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 5.5 to 7.0.
RepottingJapanese Barberry 'Golden Rocket' generally doesn’t require frequent repotting as it is a slow grower. Repotting once every three to four years or when it becomes root-bound should be sufficient.
Humidity & MistingJapanese Barberry 'Golden Rocket' is adaptable to a range of humidity conditions and does not require high humidity, it typically thrives in the normal outdoor humidity levels found in its hardiness zones.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright indirect light, avoid overwatering.
Outdoor
Full sun to partial shade, well-draining soil, space 2ft apart.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleThe Japanese Barberry 'Golden Rocket' starts its life as a seed that germinates in early spring, given the right conditions of moisture and temperature. As a seedling, it develops roots and shoots, which form a small bush with characteristic yellow leaves. As it enters the juvenile stage, the bush grows rapidly, reaching its mature shape and size within a few years. During the mature phase, the 'Golden Rocket' produces small yellow flowers in spring, which are followed by red berries in the summer and fall, attracting birds and other wildlife. These berries then drop or are carried away, dispersing seeds for new plants. As the plant ages, it may experience reduced vigor and productivity but can live for many years with proper care and maintenance.
PropogationPropogation time
Late Summer to Early Fall
Propogation: Berberis thunbergii 'Golden Rocket', commonly known as Japanese barberry, is typically propagated by softwood cuttings. The ideal time for taking these cuttings is in late spring or early summer when new growth is just beginning to harden but is still flexible. Cuttings should be about 4 to 6 inches long, with several sets of leaves, and the lower leaves should be removed. The cut end of the cutting can be dipped in a rooting hormone to encourage root development. The prepared cuttings should then be placed in a well-draining rooting medium, such as a mixture of perlite and peat moss, and kept consistently moist but not waterlogged. A plastic cover can help maintain humidity around the cuttings, which is beneficial for root formation. The rooting process can take several weeks, during which the cuttings should be kept in indirect light and monitored for growth.
