Berberis thunbergii ‘Sunsation’
$74.99
Berberis thunbergii Monry is a dense upright deciduous shrub with golden foliage, warm orange fall color, modest yellow spring flowers, and sharp barbs.
- Description
- Additional information
Description
Berberis thunbergii Monry, sold as Sunsation, forms a very dense, upright, bushy deciduous shrub 90 to 120 cm tall and about 120 cm wide. Newly opening leaves are yellow, newly expanded leaves show yellow to light green, and mature inner leaves deepen toward green or brown-green. The golden foliage develops a warm orange cast in fall.
Small greenish-yellow to yellow flowers appear in spring. Grow the shrub in full sun or partial shade in average, well-drained soil, avoiding wet sites. Water deeply during the first growing season, then reduce frequency; established plants tolerate moderate drought. Sharp barbs make the compact plant useful for hedges, borders, foundations, and barriers.
Canadian plant breeders’ rights for Monry remain active through May 15, 2027, so asexual propagation is restricted there during that term. Check regional invasive-plant rules before planting or moving this fruiting barberry.
Additional information
| Height | 90 cm – 120 cm |
|---|---|
| Spread | 120 cm – 120 cm |
| Flowering months | May, June |
| Synonyms | Berberis thunbergii 'Sunsation', Berberis thunbergii Sunsation |
| Family | Berberidaceae |
| Propagation | In Canada, asexual propagation remains restricted by plant breeders' rights through May 15, 2027. |
| Pests | Aphids may occur. |
| Diseases | Powdery mildew may occur. |
| Pruning | Prune annually in late winter to shape; light spring pruning can remove damaged growth. |
| Hazardous information | Sharp barbs are present on the stems; wear gloves when handling. |
| Hazardous | yes |
| Variegated | no |
| Watering instructions | Water deeply the first season; later water when the top 3 inches are dry. |
| Sunlight instructions | Grow in full sun or partial shade; full sun strengthens golden color. |
| Color flower spring | Yellow |
| Aspect | East, South, West, North |
| Foliage | Deciduous |
| Habit | Bushy, Compact |
| Moisture | Moist but Well Drained, Well Drained Soil |
| Ph | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
| Position | Full sun, Partial shade |
| Shape | Upright |
| Suggest planting location | Urban and courtyard gardens, Wall and boundary borders, Hedges and screening plants, Garden edging and borders |
| Type | Shrub |
| Use for | Hedge, Screen, Low maintenance |
| Years to max height | 10 |
| Drought resistance | moderate |
| Soil | All types |
| Local names | Sunsation Barberry, Golden Japanese Barberry |
| Blomidon Item No | BERTHS0003G |
| Usps | Golden foliage develops a warm orange cast in fall., Dense upright growth brings bright color to low hedges and borders. |