Berberis Thunbergii 'Orange Rocket' is a moderate growing shrub that can be grown in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 4A through 8B. It matures to an average height of 6 feet to 8 feet and an average width of 2 feet to 3 feet, depending on climate and other environmental factors. It prefers growing in a location that provides full sun, morning sun with afternoon shade or morning shade with afternoon sun and grows best when planted in sand, loam, clay or silt soil that is well drained or moderately drained. In the spring Orange Rocket Barberry produces light yellow flowers. The foliage is burgundy and red in color. It attracts visual attention and is resistant to deer, drought, insects, diseases, mildew and heat.

Orange Rocket Barberry can be useful in the landscape in foundation plantings, in containers or planters, as a background, in shrub borders, around decks, swimming pools, and other outdoor living areas, as an accent, as a focal point, in landscape beds or islands, to accentuate entryways or in small groupings and also in theme gardens or cottage gardens.

More about Orange Rocket Barberry...

Noteworthy Characteristics

There just aren't that many shrubs, or other types of plants for that matter, that display orange foliage. Orange Rocket Barberry is one of them!

Unlike most other barberry, Orange Rocket has a tight missile-shaped habit, ultimately reaching 6-8 feet in height but only 2 feet in width in ten years. Vibrant coral-orange new foliage emerges in spring that matures to mid-green. In early summer, pale yellow flowers are followed by small, crimson red berries that do not set viable seed, so there's no worry about seedlings popping up everywhere. By fall, the foliage is a vibrant bright orange-red

Uses

It's narrow, columnar habit and spectacular display of color through the season make Orange Rocket an excellent choice for a single specimen in smaller gardens, those narrow spots in home foundation plantings, and in Asian theme gardens. 

Culture & Care Tips

Plant Orange Rocket Barberry in full sun to produce the best color. It tolerates a wide variety of soil types but prefers a deep, moist but well-drained soil. During the first growing season, water enough to keep soil moist but not constantly soggy. After that, the plant is quite drought tolerant. No pruning necessary though can be lightly trimmed in late winter or early spring. Feed in spring with a well-balanced shrub and tree food.

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