Intermedia Barberry

Looking for a really reliable splash of bold color? If you have a setting where you need that little bit of something extra to spice things up, the Intermedia Barberry (Berberis thunbergii 'Intermedia') simply glows in the right light!

It has the same glossy red foliage that Barberries are prized for but in a smaller, more compact package than other varieties! Intermedia Barberry is a deciduous shrub, so it will lose its leaves in winter. It features a uniform, rounded shape, and the dense foliage presents a lush, vibrant appearance.

Delightfully hardy throughout USDA planting zones 4 to 8, Intermedia grows just 2-3 feet tall. You may notice them, but tiny yellow blossoms appear in the spring to feed your bees and butterflies, then transform into small berries that the birds adore and will feast on.

Unfortunately, the birds do spread the seeds around and in some locations of the country, Barberry do a bit "too well". Find out if you can safely grow these delightfully colorful shrubs in your community. Type in your zip code in our Hardiness Zone Finder, located above the Plant Highlights to find out, or contact your local County Extension Office.

Planting and Application:

This small, Japanese Barberry shrub makes a lovely focal point planting for your yard, or you could use several as a filler hedge or low border! Perfect for spicing up your weary foundation plantings, or filling in at the base of a tired evergreen hedge! You'll love seeing the sun hit these when added to a mixed shrub border or as a backdrop to your Rose gardens and other landscaping beds.

The deep, reddish-green foliage is a perfect accent for gray, white, stone, or wood-clad homes. Pop that color by partnering it with some bright Emerald 'n Gold Euonymus, or Boxwood at the front of the border, and you've instantly given your house a big boost of curb appeal.

Try mixing with other Barberry for an impenetrable thorny barrier planting that few would want to tangle with! Perfect as a barrier planting on its own, you can beef up the height and add some privacy with taller or columnar Barberry like Atro Nana, a Rugosa Rose or two for screening around the pool, porch, or patio!

Compact and hardy, with a standout color that sets the stage for coordinating partner plants, the Intermedia Barberry is a perfect choice. We recommend using an odd number of plants and installing them in a gentle curve or zig-zag for the best effect. Try spacing one and a half to two feet apart on center for a solid fill or loosen the spacing however, you'd like to create a visual barrier.

Intermedia is the ideal height to use below first-story windows you want to deter anyone from gaining access to! Keep peepers at bay and feel a sense of security knowing your landscaping is there to help keep you safe! This is also a great choice for urban landscapes. It can stand up to pollution!

You can grow this easy-care shrub in containers, where its naturally mounded shape works beautifully, but do be aware that Intermedia Barberry has thorns. Place these shrubs away from walkways or at least a couple of feet away from seating areas to avoid snagged clothing. Try a trio of them in tall pots in the middle of a garden bed to provide a colorful focal point.

Birds adore nesting in Barberry, as it provides them great cover. Place a birdbath and a feeder nearby and enjoy watching the action of your local songbirds.

• Radiant Red Glossy Foliage
• Compact Uniform Shaped Shrub
• Tiny Yellow Blossoms For Bees & Pollinators
• Brilliant Red Fall Color
• Mid-to-Low Borders, Backdrops, Landscape Accents & Barrier Plantings

#ProPlantTips for Care:

Barberry bushes grow best in full sun and are tolerant of many types of soil. Plant with Nature Hills Root Booster in a slightly acidic, well-drained location. Provide regular water for new plants using the Finger Test, but once established, Barberry is actually quite drought-tolerant! Provide a nice 3-4 inch layer of arborist mulch to protect the top of the roots. You can let it grow freely but it doesn't matter if you trim it to maintain the shape and size you prefer, just prune or shear after flowering.

• Full Sun For Best Color
• Moderate Moisture & Acidic Well-Drained Soil
• Drought Tolerant Once Established
• Nearly No-Maintenance - Prune After Flowering If Needed
• Deer Resistant & Few Pests or Diseases

You'll love this choice! Order your own Intermedia Barberry Bushes from NatureHills.com today!

Order without worry when you buy from NatureHills.com! We follow all federal and state regulations to the letter. In fact, we've invested in the Green Industry's premier regulation software, Plant Sentry™. That system blocks the shipment of all invasive pests and plant material from entering your state.