Berberis thunbergii 'Orange Rocket'

Orange Rocket Japanese Barberry

Family: Berberidaceae
Height: 4 to 5 feet
Width: 1.5 to 2 feet
Flower color: Small, pale yellow flowers
Foliage color: Vibrant coral-orange foliage in spring, maturing to ruby-red in summer and transitioning to bright orange-red in fall
Bloom time: Mid to late spring
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Water: Low to moderate
Maintenance: Low; prune in late winter or early spring to maintain shape and height
Growing zone: USDA Zones 4 to 9
Wildlife: Birds, attracted to the small red berries that develop in fall

About this plant

Berberis thunbergii 'Orange Rocket' is a deciduous shrub admired for its vibrant, upright growth habit and dynamic foliage. In spring, new leaves emerge as a bright coral-orange, creating a bold splash of color in the garden. As the season progresses, the foliage matures to a rich red, retaining a warm glow throughout the growing season. In late spring, small, pale yellow flowers appear, adding a soft contrast to the colorful leaves, and by autumn, the shrub develops clusters of small red berries that persist into winter.

Bred for its unique color and columnar form, 'Orange Rocket' is a versatile addition to landscapes, fitting well in borders, hedges, or as an accent plant. Its dramatic foliage transitions and seasonal interest make it an excellent choice for gardeners seeking vibrant color and texture year-round with minimal maintenance.

Works well in

Foundation Plantings · Hedging & Privacy · Borders · Specimen Plants

Companion plants

Oleaster · Mexican orange blossom · Sneezeweed · Black-eyed Susan · Sea thrift · Common sage

Design tip

A narrow border or small entry garden is a perfect spot for the strong vertical shape of this colorful shrub. Softer, rounded plants around its base will balance the upright form, while repeating warm foliage elsewhere helps carry color naturally through the garden.

Where to see it

This plant can be seen in the Oregon Display Garden at Monrovia.