Orange Rocket Barberry
Berberis thunbergii 'Orange Rocket'
Plant Sentry™ Protected
Your order is protected by our compliance system that:
- Prevents restricted plants from shipping to your state
- Ensures plants meet your state's agricultural requirements
- Protects gardens from invasive pests and diseases
Specifications
| Plant Characteristics | Attracts Birds, Clay Tolerant, Cold hardy, Deer-resistant, Disease resistant, Drought resistant, Fall Color/Interest, Full Sun, Heat Tolerant, Hedge/Screen, Low Maintenance, Non-invasive, Ornamental Berries/Fruit, Rabbit Resistant, Shade Tolerant |
|---|---|
| Hardiness Zone | 4a to 8b |
| Sunlight | Full sun, Partial shade |
| Height | |
| Width | |
| Watering Needs | Low |
| Preferred Soil | Clay, Loamy, Sandy |
| Growth Rate | Moderate |
| Growth Habit | Bushy |
| Blooms In | Spring |
| Flower Color | Yellow |
| Foliage Color | Other, Red, Purple, Green |
| Fragrant | Yes |
| Pet Safety | Toxic to pets |
| Suitable Space | Outdoors |
| Plant Name | Barberry |
| Botanical Name | |
| Species | |
| Cultivar | |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Does Not Ship To | AK, CT, HI, ID, IN, KS, ME, MN, MT, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NY, PA, PR, RI, SD, VT, WA, WI, WV, WY |
Description
Bold Orange Beauty! Orange Rocket Barberry!
People across the United States love the amazing range of tones on this unique upright Barberry shrub! The Orange Rocket Barberry (Berberis thunbergii 'Orange Rocket') has many features that make it an outstanding choice for your garden, especially in tough climactic conditions!
With the classic Barberry traits and a strongly columnar growth habit, the Southern Living Plants award-winning Orange Rocket grows to a nice height but stays narrow.
This ornamental shrub is cherished for its spring and fall color. You'll love the new spring growth and young leaves that emerge a pale, sweet apricot then age into a deeper coral and finally into a brick red.
Yes, all those hues are on the same plant - at the same time! Orange Rocket Columnar Barberry is very showy! People will definitely notice this plant!
The vivid spring leaves gradually age into a vibrant, bright green for summer. For the rest of the summer, Orange Rocket Barberry is a garden workhorse, with a nice, tidy, and upright shape. But in the fall, you'll have another incredible color show. As nights start getting cool, the fall foliage becomes a brilliant ruby red that lasts a long time.
This columnar Barberry can stand up to Zone 4 cold winters but can take the heat and high humidity of Zone 9 summers. Mother Nature can dish out her worst, and Orange Rocket performs beautifully. This vigorous plant is even deer-resistant thanks to the thorns!
While it is true that while some Barberry cultivars are invasive in some areas, they may not be invasive in all areas. So Nature Hills has taken the initiative to develop our own compliance company called Plant Sentry™ so that you will not be able to even purchase a plant that your state has prohibited because of invasiveness, insects, or disease. Plants may be available on our website, but if your state prohibits that plant from being shipped to you, the sale will not go through.
We have a full-time compliance officer who keeps those restrictions for all states current and up to date at all times. We are the only nursery selling plants online that is fully compliant according to each state's rules.
Landscape Application:
Orange Rocket Barberry looks and acts like an exclamation point for your landscape! Place one near that special work of garden art to call attention to it. Orange Rocket can be used as a showy accent or specimen to accent your space.
Use Orange Rocket Barberry near your front entrance to boost your home's curb appeal. Just get ready cars may slow down as they drive past your house in spring and again in fall. Or use multiples in a shorter hedge or foundation planting. Orange Rocket Barberry makes an incredible addition to foundation plantings. This plant won't grow tall enough to obscure your view from the front window!
This Barberry is easy to squeeze into almost any landscape space you have! Let them grow naturally or shear them into a formal hedge. They make fantastic low hedges that steal the show. As you can imagine, its columnar shape really lends itself to hedging! Repeat them at intervals all along your garden border to create vignettes or other special garden hideaways and nooks.
Use a hedge of this colorful deciduous shrub as a backdrop to your other garden beds while screening out a messy neighbor. The fiery color all growing season is sure to light up your fire pit or provide privacy around the pool. The classic upright form is perfect for making colorful, narrow hedges for sunny locations where it is hot and dry.
The tiny thorns on the erect branches make this plant the perfect barrier plant, too. Protect your property with style! No one will want to walk through them when you plant them 2 to 3 feet apart on center. Or closer at 18 inches on center for a more uniform, tight hedge and seamless wall of orange!
Use this easy-care shrub in garden large containers. You can try them around the back deck or punctuate your patio. Imagine how this skinny plant can become a beacon in autumn. One would look terrific in planters on your patio or one on either side of your front door for a unique burst of color.
They are perfect partners for so many other plants, including prairie natives and Ornamental Grasses. Pair it with early flowering Quince shrubs and any yellow-toned groundcover. Or, allow Orange Rocket to pop against the backdrop of evergreen trees and shrubs. This visual display acts as a perfect backdrop to other spring-blooming plants. Try mixing it with Golden Rocket for a more vibrant effect!
Commercial property owners, take note. If you use Orange Rocket Barberry on your property, you will drive eyes to your side of the street. And don't worry, you won't have to fuss with this rugged little plant!
- Apricot to Coral-Orange to Brick Spring Color Ages Bright Green All Summer
- Thorny Stems Match The Foliages Changing Hue
- Brilliant Ruby Red Fall Color!
- Useful Columnar Growth Habit - Strong Vertical Form Stays Narrow
- Tolerates Road Salt & Urban Conditions
- Excellent Hedge Plants, Great in Containers & Pretty Barrier Plant
#ProPlantTips for Care:
For the best color, plant it in full sun. It will tolerate partial shade in hotter climates, as well. Just be sure to allow them morning sun and at least 5-6 hours of direct sun a day for that color!
Like many plants, Barberry needs well-drained soil. If you see puddles in your planting site after a rain, or after you dig a deep hole (call your Diggers Hotline first), you'll want to improve the drainage by creating a garden berm or raised bed. Add 18 - 24 inches of soil in a large mound, then plant in that mound.
When your plants are young, give them moderate amounts of water regularly to help their roots get established in your soil. Give young plants water if you have an extended drought. After the first few seasons, it will become tolerant of drought.
Pruning for wayward branches can be done at any time. Pruning the top on a regular basis allows the sides to fill in more heavily. It's a beautiful look!
But before shearing your hedge, you might want to enjoy the first flush of new growth in spring and let the bees have the nectar from the tiny bell-shaped yellow blossoms. The color and the hum of pollinators truly are spectacular!
Older plants can be rejuvenated by renewal pruning. Completely remove several of the older, fatter stems every 3-5 years, cutting them out all the way down to the ground. Allow the younger thinner stems to remain and they will regrow fast with fresh, more vigorous, and colorful growth.
- Easy Care & Cold Hardy - Can Take High Heat & Humidity
- Best Color In Full Sun (Some Part Shade In Hot Climates)
- Needs Well-Drained Soil
- Moderate to Low Moisture - Drought Tolerant Once Established
- Prune Spring After First Flush Of Color/Flowers
- Sophisticated, Easy Care Shrub
- Displays Good Rust Resistance & Rarely Bothered by Deer
Get a columnar color boost! If you want an outstanding specimen plant that won't outgrow its space, use Orange Rocket. This smaller shrub makes a big statement. Orange Rocket Barberry is a colorful ornamental that delivers a lot for its small size. Order today!
Planting & Care
Delivery and Shipping
Shipping Rates
Ships in 3-5 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected
| Under $50 | $9.99 |
| $50 - $99.99 | $14.99 |
| $100 - $149.99 | $16.99 |
| $150 - $198.99 | $24.99 |
| $199+ | FREE |
✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee
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Packaged well however much of the plant looked dried out and stressed. Next time I think I'll just visit my local plant nursery. See what you're actually buying.
I ordered 2 barberry bushes. I paid just under $170. Only one shrub ever arrived. I tried e-mailing; I tried calling…to no avail. No one ever got back to me, other to send me a numeric code, with no explanation. Code to what? I needed to know if they were sending the other shrub. I they had no more, and planned on reimbursing me for one….the barberry was getting planted in one spot….if the other shrub was on it’s way and I was going to end up with 2 shrubs, they were going in a different spot. It has been a month now…and because the shrub was not planted in a timely fashion, it has died. I am very upset. The complete lack of customer service with this company is appalling. I would never do business with them again
Little did I know that this plant had such unusual coral colored leaves in the spring,turns green in summer, and then back to reds and oranges in the fall. Fascinating plant.
Hi Ted,
Thank you so much for sharing your insights about the Orange Rocket Barberry! We’re delighted to hear that its vibrant seasonal color changes have captured your interest—the coral hues in the spring are indeed a lovely surprise before the deep greens settle in, followed by those stunning reds and oranges in fall. This dynamic foliage is one of the plant’s most charming features.
If you’re looking to keep your Orange Rocket Barberry thriving and maximizing its color-display potential, remember it prefers well-drained soil and full sun to encourage those vivid hues throughout the year. Also, occasional pruning right after blooms will help maintain its shape and promote bushier growth. Should you want to explore companion plants that enhance its visual impact, we can recommend blooms that complement the color shifts excellently.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any other questions or want color-themed planting tips—and thanks again for your thoughtful review!
Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team
I find that there are more and more smaller flowering shrubs I can use in my small yard. This barberry certainly is one that fits in perfectly. Great colors.
Hi Frank,
Thank you so much for sharing your experience with the Orange Rocket Barberry! We’re delighted to hear that its size and vibrant colors make it a perfect fit for your small yard. Smaller flowering shrubs like this can truly transform compact spaces into charming garden spots.
If you’re looking to complement your barberry, we recommend pairing it with other low-maintenance, dwarf shrubs or perennials to create layers of interest without overcrowding your yard. Feel free to explore our website for plant bundles designed specifically for small spaces, or reach out if you ever need personalized recommendations!
Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts
Not only does this barberry adapt to some sun and some shade, but it is not that picky about the soil in my yard either. It fun to watch it change colors during the different seasons, especially in the fall when my other plants start to fade.
Hi Al,
Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience with your Orange Rocket Barberry! We're delighted to hear how adaptable it has been in your yard, managing both sun and shade as well as varied soil conditions. It’s truly a special plant—its seasonal color changes really do add such vibrant character to the garden, especially as other plants start to fade in the fall. If you ever want to enhance its care, maybe try a light mulch to help retain moisture during dry spells, which can keep those colors bright and the growth healthy.
We’re thrilled that your Orange Rocket Barberry has found such a perfect spot and role in your garden. If you have any questions down the road or want tips on companion plants that complement its beauty, feel free to reach out. Happy gardening!
Rooting for your garden’s success,
Your Nature Hills Plant Care Team
Not only does this barberry adapt to some sun and some shade, but it is not that picky about the soil in my yard either. It fun to watch it change colors during the different seasons, especially in the fall when my other plants start to fade.
Hi Al,
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience with the Orange Rocket Barberry! We’re delighted to hear how well it’s adapting to the sun and shade variations in your yard—and that it’s not too particular about soil, either. Those beautiful seasonal color changes sound wonderful, especially as a burst of life when other plants start to fade in the fall.
If you’d like to enhance those vibrant colors even more, occasional feeding with a balanced fertilizer in early spring can encourage healthy growth and brighter foliage. Plus, pruning right after flowering helps maintain the plant’s shape and encourages denser branching.
It’s always a joy to know our plants are thriving and bringing beauty to your garden year-round. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you ever have questions or want more tips for your landscaping!
Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team
Little did I know that this plant had such unusual coral colored leaves in the spring,turns green in summer, and then back to reds and oranges in the fall. Fascinating plant.
Hello Ted,
Thank you so much for sharing your observations about your Orange Rocket Barberry! It’s truly a delight to hear how fascinating you find the seasonal color shifts—from the stunning coral tones in spring to the lush green of summer, and the vibrant reds and oranges in fall. This unique coloration is one of the things that makes the Orange Rocket Barberry such a charming addition to any garden.
If you ever want to enhance the colors further or keep your shrubs healthy year-round, we recommend ensuring they receive full sun, as brightness can intensify those beautiful hues. Additionally, well-drained soil and a little mulch go a long way in supporting their vigor. Feel free to reach out any time for care tips or planting advice!
Thanks again for sharing your admiration for this versatile plant—we’re happy it’s bringing such colorful enjoyment to your garden.
Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team
I find that there are more and more smaller flowering shrubs I can use in my small yard. This barberry certainly is one that fits in perfectly. Great colors.
Hello Frank,
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience with the Orange Rocket Barberry! We're delighted to hear that its size and vibrant color make it an ideal fit for your small yard. This variety truly shines as a compact yet striking shrub, perfect for maximizing beauty in limited spaces.
If you’re interested in layering more small flowering shrubs to complement your Orange Rocket Barberry, check out our selection of compact flowering plants like Dwarf Lilacs or Spireas. They can add variety without overwhelming the space. Also, if ever you want tips on pruning to maintain size or tips on seasonal care, please don’t hesitate to reach out!
Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts
I love this shrub! Alternated my plantings with low growing grasses. Plants were about 18" tall when planted in 2014. Now in/2015 they are close to 30" H x 20" W. They are stunning from the road. My neighbors have commented on the bright orange/red color saying they are car stoppers. I will be giving g them a haircut this fall to maintain their height ratio to my grasses.NYS has outlawed barberry's so I will have to rogogate myself if I want to extend my garden.I wish I could attach an image to show you :-(
Hello thegiftlady,
Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience with the Orange Rocket Barberry! We’re thrilled to hear how beautifully your shrubs have grown since 2014 and how they create such a vibrant, eye-catching display along your yard—neighbors calling them “car stoppers” is fantastic feedback! Alternating them with low-growing grasses sounds like a smart and aesthetically pleasing landscaping choice.
It’s great that you’re planning a fall haircut; regular pruning definitely helps maintain shape and encourages healthy growth. Since you mentioned New York State regulations on barberry, propagating your plants will be a clever way to continue enjoying them in your garden safely and legally. If you’d like advice on propagating techniques—such as hardwood cuttings—or tips on the best timing and methods, we’d be delighted to help provide detailed guidance!
It’s too bad you can’t easily attach images here, but feel free to share your gardening stories anytime. Your thriving garden inspires us too!
Cultivating beauty together,
Nature Hills – Expert Plant Advice
I love this shrub! Alternated my plantings with low growing grasses. Plants were about 18" tall when planted in 2014. Now in/2015 they are close to 30" H x 20" W. They are stunning from the road. My neighbors have commented on the bright orange/red color saying they are car stoppers. I will be giving g them a haircut this fall to maintain their height ratio to my grasses.NYS has outlawed barberry's so I will have to rogogate myself if I want to extend my garden.I wish I could attach an image to show you :-(
Hello Thegiftlady,
Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience with our Orange Rocket Barberry! We’re delighted to hear how beautifully your shrubs have grown alongside your grasses—they truly sound like a striking combination. That bright orange-red coloring making neighborhood traffic slow down tells us how spectacular your planting really is! Your plan to give them a touch-up this fall sounds like a perfect way to keep both height and shape in harmony.
We understand the frustration around restrictions like those in NYS, but your idea to propagate the barberry yourself is a wonderful way to extend your garden’s beauty while staying compliant. If you ever need tips on rooting cuttings or best care practices, don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re happy to provide step-by-step guidance to get you started!
We’d have loved to see a photo too—should you capture any snapshots in the future, feel free to share them with us to brighten our day!
Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts
Purchased these last year to add color to a nature area and they really stand out. Love the huge punch of color.
Hi Donna,
Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience with the Orange Rocket Barberry! We’re thrilled to hear that these plants have added such a vibrant splash of color to your nature area—it’s always rewarding to know our plants are helping create beautiful and memorable spaces. If you want to keep that bold color punch going strong, remember to ensure they’re getting plenty of sunlight and well-drained soil. Pruning regularly can also help maintain their shape and promote healthy growth throughout the season. Should you have any questions about care or want tips on companion plants to complement your barberries, feel free to reach out anytime.
Rooting for your garden’s success,
Your Nature Hills Plant Care Team
Purchased these last year to add color to a nature area and they really stand out. Love the huge punch of color.
Hi Donna,
Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience with your Orange Rocket Barberry! We’re thrilled to hear that they have added a vibrant splash of color to your nature area as you hoped. That bold, fiery hue really does make these plants stand out beautifully.
Since you’re enjoying the orange blooms so much, you might find it fascinating to explore how these barberries also provide excellent winter interest with their changing foliage and can work wonderfully as part of a layered landscape. For optimal care, we recommend regular watering especially during dry spells, although they are quite drought-tolerant once established. Mulching around the base can help retain moisture and keep them healthy year round.
If you’re planning to add more colorful elements to your planting, feel free to reach out! We love helping gardeners curate vibrant and thriving landscapes.
Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts
Great medium size shrub with really good color. Have planted them in front of a porch. The have a nice upright shape.
Hi Chris,
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your thoughts on the Orange Rocket Barberry! We’re delighted to hear that its vibrant color and upright shape are a great fit for your porch area. Medium-sized shrubs like these really can provide a wonderful balance of beauty and structure to a garden space.
If you’re interested in accentuating their color even more, one tip is to give them a bit of morning sun and some well-drained soil to help maintain that brilliant orange hue throughout the seasons. Plus, regular pruning after flowering can encourage new growth and keep that lovely upright shape you enjoy.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you need any tips or guidance on ongoing care!
Rooting for your garden’s success,
Your Nature Hills Plant Care Team
Great medium size shrub with really good color. Have planted them in front of a porch. The have a nice upright shape.
Hello Chris,
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience with the Orange Rocket Barberry! We're delighted to hear that its vibrant color and upright shape have made such a great impression in front of your porch. Barberries are indeed fantastic for adding both beauty and structure to your landscape.
To keep your Orange Rocket Barberry looking its best, be sure it’s planted in well-draining soil, and consider a spot that gets at least some full sun daily — that really helps maintain the brilliant orange tones. Regular pruning in early spring can also keep its shape tidy and promote healthy growth.
If you ever want tips on companion plants or seasonal care advice, feel free to reach out — we’re always here to help.
Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team
