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Sunjoy Really Red® Barberry

Berberis thunbergii 'NCBX3'

  • Hardy in zones 4-9 with exceptional cold tolerance and heat adaptability in challenging sites
  • Fiery red new growth transitions to burgundy with lime green edges for dynamic, layered color spring through fall
  • Compact 2-3 ft mounded habit stays neat without pruning, ideal for small gardens and containers3
  • Deer-resistant and drought-tolerant once established, thrives in poor soil with minimal maintenance

Regular price $2614
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Delivery and Shipping

Fast, Safe Plant Delivery
Ships in 3-4 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

Photo courtesy of Proven Winners - www.provenwinners.com

Plant Profile & Growing Essentials

Cold hardy, Low Maintenance, Deer-resistant, Drought resistant, Fast-growing, and Attracts pollinators

  • Botanical Name
    Berberis thunbergii 'NCBX3'
  • Height
    2-3 ft
  • Width
    2-3 ft
  • Growing Zones
    4-9
  • Sunlight
    • Full sun
    • Partial shade
  • Growth Rate
    Moderate
  • Flower Color
    • Yellow
  • Leaf Color
    • Red
  • Bloom Period
    Early Spring
  • Does Not Ship To
    AK, HI, ID, IN, MA, MN, MT, NH, NY, VT, WV, WI

Sunjoy Really Red® Barberry (Berberis thunbergii 'NCBX3') delivers something most single-tone shrubs cannot: a continuously changing color show from spring through fall. New growth emerges in brilliant, eye-catching red that seems to glow in the landscape. As the season progresses, the interior foliage matures to a deep burgundy while developing distinctive lime green edges that create a layered, multi-tonal effect. This Proven Winners® selection transforms an already reliable shrub into a dynamic focal point.

Year-Round Interest

The color evolution continues throughout the growing season. Spring's fiery red new tips gradually deepen while the contrast between burgundy centers and chartreuse margins becomes more pronounced. In shadier locations, the foliage centers incorporate more green tones while maintaining the characteristic edging. Small yellow flowers appear in late spring, offering subtle charm and attracting early season pollinators. Fall brings another transformation as cooler temperatures intensify the red and burgundy tones before leaf drop.

Landscape Versatility

The compact 2-3 ft mounded habit makes Sunjoy Really Red® remarkably versatile. Use it as a low hedge along walkways where the colorful foliage creates natural edging without overwhelming nearby perennials. Plant in groups of three or five for mass impact in foundation beds. The manageable size works beautifully in containers on patios or flanking entryways. The multi-colored foliage provides the visual weight of a focal point while the modest size prevents it from dominating smaller spaces.

Low-Maintenance Performer

This barberry thrives in the tough conditions that challenge other ornamentals. Deer consistently pass it by thanks to the spiny stems and bitter foliage. Once the root system establishes, the plant handles drought, heat, and poor soil without complaint. The naturally tidy growth habit means you can skip annual shearing entirely or give it a light trim in early spring if you prefer a more formal shape. Disease resistance is excellent, with none of the powdery mildew or rust issues that plague some shrubs.

If you're looking for a compact shrub that delivers changing color without constant maintenance, Sunjoy Really Red® Barberry brings reliable performance and visual interest to challenging sites where other plants struggle. The layered coloring creates depth and texture that single-tone shrubs simply cannot match.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is Sunjoy Really Red® different from other red barberries?

  • The key difference is the multi-tonal effect. Where most red barberries display uniform burgundy foliage, Sunjoy Really Red® features bright red new growth, burgundy interiors, and lime green leaf margins that create a layered look. This dynamic coloring changes throughout the season rather than staying one solid tone.

Will this barberry spread aggressively in my garden?

  • No, this selection maintains a compact 3 ft mounded habit and does not spread or sucker. It stays exactly where you plant it, making it ideal for small gardens, tight spaces, and foundation plantings where you need predictable sizing.

Do I need to prune Sunjoy Really Red® Barberry to keep it small?

  • No pruning is required. The plant naturally matures at 2-3 ft tall and wide without shearing. If you prefer a more formal shape, light pruning in early spring is fine, but the natural mounded form looks great on its own.

Can this grow in partial shade or does it need full sun?

  • Sunjoy Really Red® adapts to both. Full sun produces the most intense red and burgundy coloring with pronounced lime edges. In partial shade (4-6 hours of sun), the centers develop more green tones while still maintaining the multi-colored effect and lime green margins.

Is Sunjoy Really Red® Barberry deer-resistant?

  • Yes, deer consistently avoid barberries due to the thorny stems and bitter-tasting foliage. This makes it an excellent choice for areas with heavy deer pressure where other ornamental shrubs get browsed.

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