Berberis thunbergii 'Emerald Carousel'

Emerald Carousel Barberry is primarily grown for its highly ornamental fruit. The fruits are showy red drupes carried in abundance from early to late fall. It has clusters of yellow flowers hanging below the branches in mid spring. It has dark green deciduous foliage. The oval leaves turn an outstanding scarlet in the fall.

Landscape Attributes

Emerald Carousel Barberry is a dense multi-stemmed deciduous shrub with a more or less rounded form. Its relatively fine texture sets it apart from other landscape plants with less refined foliage.

This shrub will require occasional maintenance and upkeep, and can be pruned at anytime. Deer don't particularly care for this plant and will usually leave it alone in favor of tastier treats.

Planting & Growing

Emerald Carousel Barberry will grow to be about 5 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 6 feet. It tends to fill out right to the ground and therefore doesn't necessarily require facer plants in front, and is suitable for planting under power lines. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 20 years.

This shrub does best in full sun to partial shade. It is very adaptable to both dry and moist locations, and should do just fine under average home landscape conditions. It is considered to be drought-tolerant, and thus makes an ideal choice for xeriscaping or the moisture-conserving landscape. It is not particular as to soil type or pH, and is able to handle environmental salt. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. This particular variety is an interspecific hybrid.