Northwest Blooms · Shrubs
Berberis thunbergii ‘Maria’
Maria Japanese Barberry
- Family
- Berberidaceae
- Height
- 3 to 4 feet
- Width
- 2 to 3 feet
- Flower color
- Pale yellow
- Foliage color
- Bright yellow, turning orange-red in fall
- Bloom time
- Late spring
- Light
- Full sun
- Water
- Low to moderate
- Maintenance
- Low; prune in late winter or early spring to maintain shape
- Growing zone
- USDA zones 4 to 8
- Wildlife
- Provides shelter for small birds and attracts pollinators with its flowers
About this plant
Berberis thunbergii 'Maria' is a deciduous shrub celebrated for its vibrant, golden-yellow foliage that holds its color throughout the growing season. The leaves emerge as a bright chartreuse in spring, deepening to a rich yellow as they mature, and in cooler weather, the foliage may take on a soft orange or red tint. This variety features a compact, upright growth habit, making it ideal for creating bold, colorful accents in the garden.
In late spring to early summer, small, pale yellow flowers appear, adding a subtle charm to the plant. These are followed by small, glossy red berries in the fall, which attract birds and provide additional visual interest. 'Maria' is often used in borders, hedges, or as a focal point in landscape designs for its striking color and form.
Works well in
Foundation Plantings · Hedging & Privacy · Borders · Specimen Plants
Companion plants
Russian sage · Blue fescues · Coreopsis · Yarrow · Daylilies · Creeping phlox
Design tip
Let this golden shrub bring a bright accent to a sunny border, entry garden, or foundation planting. Pair it with deeper greens, burgundy foliage, and softer flowering plants, then repeat touches of yellow nearby to create a cheerful garden that feels balanced and connected.
Where to see it
This plant can be seen at Bellevue Botanical Garden.
