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Berberis thunbergii Golden Ruby

Berberis thunbergii Golden Ruby ('Goruzam'PBR) EU 50090
Japanese Barberry, Thunberg's Barberry

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A dwarf and very compact variety that develops large colourful leaves whose shades vary throughout the seasons. First coral orange, yellow and green, they turn red in summer. In autumn, they become brick red with a golden yellow margin. It is a small bush that does not require pruning. Perfect in a pot, border or bed, this hardy plant adapts to all soils that are not too dry. A sunny exposure will enhance the foliage colours.
Flower size
1 cm
Height at maturity
30 cm
Spread at maturity
20 cm
Exposure
Sun
Hardiness
Hardy down to -29°C
Soil moisture
all types
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Best planting time March, October
Recommended planting time February to May, September to November
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Flowering time May
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Description

Berberis thunbergii Golden Ruby, also known by its cultivar name 'Goruzam', is a variety of dwarf barberry, forming a small, spreading and compact ground cover. Its large leaves unfold in spring in orange, yellow and green before turning red in summer. In autumn, they become dark red with a golden-yellow margin. In spring, its small yellow flowers stand out against the foliage, as do its bright red berries in late summer. It prefers to grow in full sun or partial shade in well-drained sandy to clayey soil, not too dry in summer.

Berberis thunbergii, also known as Japanese barberry or Thunberg's barberry, is a deciduous or semi-evergreen shrub of the berberidaceae family, native to Japan. It has a spreading, low-growing habit and Golden Ruby forms a small, compact bushy clump, reaching 30 cm high and 20 cm wide at maturity. The foliage is the main feature of this barberry. It consists of rounded, 2 to 3 cm long, obovate (ovate, with the upper part of the leaf wider than the lower part), glossy leaves. When they first emerge, they are orange to coral or yellow and green, then as they mature, they turn red. In April-May, clusters of 1 to 6 small flowers bloom on 1-year-old stems. The bell-shaped, 1 cm long flowers are pale yellow tinged with red on the outside. They are nectar-rich and are followed in September-October by a few small, bright red round, 6 to 8 mm long fruits. They persist on the branches for part of the winter. The foliage takes on a beautiful brick red colour with a yellow margin before falling in October-November.

Berberis thunbergii Golden Ruby is hardy down to -30°C and grows in full sun in any well-drained soil, even chalky, poor or rocky, but not too dry in summer. It is resistant to diseases. It is naturally compact so does not require pruning and requires little maintenance. Golden Ruby is perfect in a border, at the front of a bed, planted en masse, with other plants, or as a solitary plant on the terrace or patio. It can be paired with grey-leaved shrubs like Artemisia 'Powis Castle' for a beautiful combination of colours. Also, consider pairing it with small Pieris and colourful heucheras.

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Berberis, thorny barberry: planting, pruning, and care
Family sheet
by Eva 13 min.
Berberis, thorny barberry: planting, pruning, and care
Read article

Plant habit

Height at maturity 30 cm
Spread at maturity 20 cm
Habit irregular, bushy
Growth rate normal

Flowering

Flower colour yellow
Flowering time May
Flower size 1 cm
Bee-friendly Attracts pollinators
Fruit colour red

Foliage

Foliage persistence Deciduous
Foliage colour red
Product reference • 22406

Planting and care

Berberis thunbergii Golden Ruby is hardy to -30°C and can be planted in spring or autumn, in any well-drained soil, even chalky, poor or stony, but not overly. Place it in a sunny position to enhance its colours. You can plant it in partial shade (during the hottest hours) in hot, southern regions. Water generously and frequently during the first summers. No need to feed. It requires little maintenance, just make sure to keep the soil moist, especially in summer.

Planting period

Best planting time March, October
Recommended planting time February to May, September to November

Intended location

Suitable for Meadow, Rockery
Type of use Border, Container, Hedge
Hardiness Hardy down to -29°C (USDA zone 5) Show map
Ease of cultivation Beginner
Exposure Sun
Soil pH Any
Soil type Clayey (heavy), Clayey-chalky (heavy and alkaline), Silty-loamy (rich and light), Stony (poor and well-drained)
Soil moisture all types, well-drained

Care

Pruning instructions Prune with shears at the end of summer if necessary to maintain a compact habit.
Pruning Pruning recommended once a year
Pruning time August to September
Soil moisture all types
Disease resistance Good
Overwinter Can be left in the ground

Planting & care advice

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