Barberry

Berberis thunbergii Aurea

• Position: full sun to partial shade
• Soil: well-drained soil
• Rate of growth: slow to average
• Flowering period: April and May
• Hardiness: fully hardy
  
  A compact variety of berberis that is prized for its bright, golden-yellow spring foliage, rather than for its insignificant flowers. By the end of the summer the leaves have become pale green only to turn pretty shades of orange-red in autumn. This thorny, deciduous, low-maintenance shrub is excellent for illuminating dull spots in the garden and makes a good specimen plant for a well-drained border in partial shade. The delicate foliage can scorch in the midday sun.
  
  
• Garden care: Requires minimal pruning. Where pruning is required, cut back in autumn or winter, after the appearance of the autumn fruits. The foliage suffers if the plant gets too dry.