1 / 4

Key characteristics

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

Shrubs

Berberis thunbergii ‘Maria’

Maria Japanese Barberry

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.

Light

Full sun

Water

Low to moderate

Bloom time

Late spring

Find this plant

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.