Plant Library
Cherry Bomb Japanese Barberry
Berberis thunbergii 'Monomb'
Height: 4 feet
Spread: 4 feet
Sunlight:
Hardiness Zone: 4a
Description:
Compact shrub with striking burgundy-red leaves and brilliant scarlet fall color; this spiny shrub can be used in a hedge as a deterrant to tresspassers; best color in full sun
Ornamental Features
Cherry Bomb Japanese Barberry is primarily grown for its highly ornamental fruit. The fruits are showy scarlet drupes carried in abundance from early to late fall. It has attractive burgundy deciduous foliage which emerges red in spring. The small oval leaves are highly ornamental and turn an outstanding scarlet in the fall. It features tiny clusters of yellow flowers hanging below the branches in mid spring.
Landscape Attributes
Cherry Bomb Japanese Barberry is a dense multi-stemmed deciduous shrub with a more or less rounded form. Its relatively fine texture sets it apart from other landscape plants with less refined foliage.
This shrub will require occasional maintenance and upkeep, and can be pruned at anytime. Deer don't particularly care for this plant and will usually leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration;
- Spiny
Cherry Bomb Japanese Barberry is recommended for the following landscape applications;
- Mass Planting
- Hedges/Screening
- General Garden Use
Planting & Growing
Cherry Bomb Japanese Barberry will grow to be about 4 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 4 feet. It tends to fill out right to the ground and therefore doesn't necessarily require facer plants in front. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 20 years.
This shrub does best in full sun to partial shade. It is very adaptable to both dry and moist growing conditions, but will not tolerate any standing water. It is considered to be drought-tolerant, and thus makes an ideal choice for xeriscaping or the moisture-conserving landscape. It is not particular as to soil type or pH, and is able to handle environmental salt. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. This is a selected variety of a species not originally from North America.
