Plant Library
Orange Torch Barberry Berberis thunbergii 'Orange Torch' Height: 4 feet Spread: 3 feet
Sunlight:
Hardiness Zone: 4a Brand: Star Roses and Plants Description: Stunning golden-yellow foliage, with edges of blazing orange light up the landscape; the orange color intensifies in cooler weather; give some protection from afternoon sun; a great landscape specimen, or garden accent Ornamental Features Orange Torch Barberry has attractive yellow foliage edged in orange with hints of chartreuse which emerges buttery yellow in spring on a plant with a mounded habit of growth. The glossy oval leaves are highly ornamental and turn outstanding shades of orange and scarlet in the fall. The smooth brick red bark and crimson branches add an interesting dimension to the landscape. Landscape Attributes Orange Torch Barberry is a dense multi-stemmed deciduous shrub with a mounded form. Its relatively fine texture sets it apart from other landscape plants with less refined foliage. This is a relatively low maintenance shrub, 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. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration; Orange Torch Barberry is recommended for the following landscape applications; Planting & Growing Orange Torch Barberry will grow to be about 4 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 3 feet. It tends to fill out right to the ground and therefore doesn't necessarily require facer plants in front. It grows at a fast 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 growing conditions, but will not tolerate any standing water. 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 is a selected variety of a species not originally from North America. Orange Torch Barberry makes a fine choice for the outdoor landscape, but it is also well-suited for use in outdoor pots and containers. Because of its height, it is often used as a 'thriller' in the 'spiller-thriller-filler' container combination; plant it near the center of the pot, surrounded by smaller plants and those that spill over the edges. It is even sizeable enough that it can be grown alone in a suitable container. Note that when grown in a container, it may not perform exactly as indicated on the tag - this is to be expected. Also note that when growing plants in outdoor containers and baskets, they may require more frequent waterings than they would in the yard or garden.
