Sunjoy Mini Maroon® Barberry

Berberis thunbergii 'NCBT1'

Proven Winners®

Deepest Burgundy Foliage Creates Stunning Contrast and Makes Surrounding Plants Pop
Cold Hardy: Thrives in Zones 4-8
Grows 3 ft Tall and Wide
Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Heat Tolerant
Showy Yellow Blooms in Late Spring

$26¹⁴

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Plant Size

Quart Container #2 Container

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: This shrub needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight to maintain its signature deep purple color. If planted in too much shade, the foliage will lose its intensity and shift toward a dull green.
Soil: Choose a spot with well drained soil as this plant does not like sitting in water. If you have heavy clay, mix in some compost or plant it slightly high in a mound to keep the roots from getting waterlogged.

Watering Requirements

For the first year, water your Barberry deeply twice a week to ensure the roots grow deep and strong. Once it is established, the plant is quite drought tolerant and usually only needs supplemental water during long stretches of extreme heat. Inconsistent watering while the plant is young can lead to scorched leaf edges and a thinner canopy.

Pruning Tips

This dwarf variety naturally maintains a tidy shape, so you only need to prune if you want to manage its size or remove a stray branch. The best time for a trim is in late winter or very early spring before the new leaves appear. Think of it like a quick haircut that encourages fresh, vibrant growth to fill in any gaps.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow release fertilizer in early spring just as you see the first signs of new growth. Avoid using high nitrogen fertilizers after midsummer because this encourages soft growth that cannot survive the winter cold. Providing nutrients early in the season gives the plant the energy it needs to produce that bold maroon foliage all summer long.

Delivery and Shipping

Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 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

Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

Plant specifications
Plant Characteristics	Attracts Birds, Clay Tolerant, Cold hardy, Compact/Dwarf, Container Friendly, Deer-resistant, Disease resistant, Drought resistant, Fall Color/Interest, Full Sun, Heat Tolerant, Low Maintenance, Non-invasive, Ornamental Berries/Fruit, Rabbit Resistant
Hardiness Zone	4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b
Sunlight	Full sun, Partial shade
Height	3 ft
Width	3 ft
Watering Needs	Low
Preferred Soil	Clay, Loamy, Sandy
Growth Rate	Moderate
Growth Habit	Bushy
Blooms In	Spring
Flower Color	Yellow
Foliage Color	Red, Purple
Pet Safety	Toxic to pets
Suitable Space	Indoors, Outdoors
Plant Name	Barberry
Botanical Name	Berberis thunbergii 'NCBT1'
Species	thunbergii
Cultivar	NCBT1
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

Big mighty mini-sized Barberry! The Proven Winners® ColorChoice® Sunjoy Mini Maroon® Barberry PP#30330 (Berberis thunbergii 'NCBT1') is a colorful jewel of a shrub with a larger-than-life presence! This little guy will win your heart over with its color and work ethic in the landscape!

Their color is anything but small! The deep burgundy color is almost black! It's just about as dark as you can get in dark foliage. This means that when used in your garden it both draws your eye to it and makes the plants around it stand out. Tiny yellow flowers appear in spring that may not be noticed by you, but your pollinators certainly will! Then this little Barberry shows off with great fall color and berries for the birds!

Best yet, Mini Maroon® is sterile, so no messy fruit clean-up and no pesky nuisance seedlings to keep up with! It stays in its place and plays nice with others! This means Nature Hills can ship this Barberry into areas where Barberry can sometimes do "too well".

This Proven Winners® shrub is widely adaptable and is rarely bothered by deer, pests, or other issues. Hardy throughout USDA planting zones 4 to 8, these dwarf Japanese Barberry only grow 2-3 feet tall and wide!

Planting and Application:

This colorful dwarf maroon-leafed Japanese Barberry will easily tuck into any sized garden, no matter how large or small! Several make a great low hedge, facer plant, front border, or row edging your landscaping beds! Use it to punctuate your foundation border or to punch up a tired hedge of evergreens. Use it where you'd like knowing sterile Barberry are urban environment-tolerant and pollution-resistant.

One Sunjoy Mini Maroon® is a gorgeous little specimen to highlight a nice garden feature like a fountain or statuary! Create a curved row or group to call attention to your front steps, or just pop one among a mixed shrub border or mixed perennial garden to boost the color spectrum!

Dwarf Mini Maroon® Barberries are excellent in containers and thrive on balconies and postage-stamp-sized urban gardens! Try potting one up in a container or urn as the focal point thriller and highlight it with some golden Creeping Jenny!

Dot throughout a Rock Garden, or line your driveway, sidewalk, or a sunny pathway in cheerful reddish dwarf shrubs! Just give yourself about a foot of leeway to prevent snagged pantlegs. That's because Mini Maroon® has a sharp secret! Remember that Barberry is beautiful, but it does bite! The pointy deterrents help keep deer from nibbling and foot traffic going exactly where you want it to!

The nasty thorns hidden under the small leaves are great deterrents when you plant this under a window or around property edges for security. No one wants to mess with this innocent-looking shrub once they've been bit!

Dark Maroon-Leafed Dwarf Barberry
Yellow Spring Blossoms & Sterile Berries For Birds
Non-Invasive Cultivar
Great Size For Small-Spaces & Container Gardening
Edging, Borders, Low Hedges, Foundations & Showy Specimens

#ProPlantTips for Care:

Barberry will do best with full sun access and have the best gold color. But in hotter climates, Barberry can tolerate a bit of shade in the afternoon but the foliage color may not be quite as colorful.

These shrubs need well-drained, slightly acidic soil, and appreciate it when you add 3-4 inches of arborist mulch to block weed competition and keep the roots insulated. Plant with Nature Hills Root Booster and give your new plants consistent watering using the Finger Test to make sure you do not allow your new plants to dry out, but once established, Barberry becomes wonderfully waterwise! If needed, Prune after flowering to tidy up the shape or shear into a formal mat.

Deer usually won't prefer the taste of Barberry, but when desperation hits, they will eat anything. This is why we always recommend Deer Repellent Spray on new plantings from day one if you live in an area with heavy pressure. Reapply according to the directions through the growing season.

Full Sun For Best Color
Acidic Well-Drained Soil
Moderate Moisture Needs - Waterwise Once Established
Rarely Needs Pruning - Prune After Flowering Only
Pest & Disease Resistant - Urban Environment & Pollution Tolerant
Deer Seldom Bother Barberry

This is a truly easy dwarf shrub to grow that will add warmth to your garden this year, without becoming a problem in your environment! Whether it's newly established or already mature, the Proven Winners® Color Choice® Sunjoy Mini Maroon® Barberry will find itself right at home in your landscape! Now available at NatureHills.com!

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cure???

I just read where barberry has a possible cause for lowering blood glucose levels...used in treating diabetic individuals...

Barberry (berberis vulgaris)

Scientific research conducted within the last 10 years indicates that Barberry root, bark and especially berry all have medicinal value. Specifically:Enhances anti-malarial medicationsLowers blood presureTreats protozoal infections due to leishmaniasisTreat topical infections and eczemaActs as a mild laxitivePossible adjunct treatment of leukemiaGreat for sore throat when used as gargleGreat expectorantGood for cough and feverPossible treatment for pyorrhea of gumsMAY contain both anti-viral and anti-carcengenic propertiesAdverse reactions include: Low doses ay stimulate heartNormal dosage may slightly depress heart action and blood pressureHigh dosage may dangerously depress blood pressureHigh dosage may dangerously depress brochial action andrespirationShould NEVER be used during pregnancy.

excellent natural 'barrier fence'

Barberry by nature is extremely thorny, so any cultivar makes a great boundary marker/ privacy hedge. If you have an area that needs a deterent to trespassers tis is the plant for you. No one will try and penetreate it and you get the bonus of it being extrememly beautiful. Better than an ugly fence (or even barbed wire in commercial applications). Another bonus is that it is a wonderful shrub for small birds. They love the fact that bigger predators gannot get to them. Lovely color in the garden. caveat, there are some states that now prohibit this plant. Also, because it is so thorny you may wnt to plant carefully, as you will have a heck of a time removing after it is mature. Small on space, try a dwarf variety

Frequently Asked Questions

What USDA hardiness zones is the Sunjoy Mini Maroon® Barberry suitable for?

The Sunjoy Mini Maroon® Barberry thrives in USDA hardiness zones 4 through 8. This wide adaptability makes it suitable for most temperate regions across the United States. Plant it in fall or early spring for best establishment in your zone.

Does the Sunjoy Mini Maroon® Barberry need full sun or can it tolerate partial shade?

Sunjoy Mini Maroon® Barberry thrives in full sun to partial shade, though full sun intensifies its deep burgundy-black foliage color. This adaptable shrub performs well in various light conditions across zones 4-8. For the darkest foliage color, plant in full sun when you shop at Nature Hills.

How often should I water my newly planted Sunjoy Mini Maroon® Barberry?

Water newly planted Sunjoy Mini Maroon® Barberry deeply 2-3 times per week for the first month. Once established in zones 4-8, this drought-tolerant shrub needs minimal watering. Check soil moisture by inserting your finger 2 inches down—water only when dry.

Is this barberry deer resistant and will it withstand browsing?

Yes, Sunjoy Mini Maroon® Barberry is rarely bothered by deer and handles browsing well. This proven variety thrives in zones 4-8 and maintains its compact 2-3 foot size even with occasional deer pressure. Plant it confidently in exposed areas where deer are a concern.

What are the best companion plants to pair with Sunjoy Mini Maroon® Barberry?

The deep burgundy, almost black foliage of Mini Maroon® makes lighter plants pop beautifully beside it. Pair with silver-leafed plants like lamb's ear, bright green hostas, or colorful perennials for stunning contrast in zones 4-8. Its 2-3 foot size works perfectly as edging with taller shrubs behind. Shop companion plants at naturehills.com.

How much pruning does this barberry require and when is the best time to prune?

Sunjoy Mini Maroon Barberry requires minimal pruning since it naturally stays compact at 2-3 feet. Light shaping can be done in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches to maintain its neat form.

Will the foliage color remain consistent throughout the growing season?

The deep burgundy-black foliage holds its dramatic color consistently from spring through summer. This dwarf barberry also delivers great fall color as temperatures drop. For best color intensity, provide full sun to partial shade conditions.

Sunjoy Mini Maroon® Barberry

Berberis thunbergii 'NCBT1'