Japanese Barberry 'Aurea Nana' (Berberis thunbergii 'Aurea Nana')

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Épine-vinette du Japon ‘Aurea Nana’ (Berberis thunbergii)

Berberidaceae

Pépinière.ca

Sold as Trees and shrubs

Common nameDwarf Golden Barberry

FamilyBerberidaceae

GenusBarberry

Speciesthunbergii

CultivarDwarf Golden

Plant typeOrnamental shrub

Botanical nameBerberis thunbergii

Berberis thunbergii 'Aurea Nana', or golden dwarf Japanese barberry, is a compact and bright shrub, prized for its dazzling golden-yellow foliage, which illuminates borders and beds throughout the season. Its dense and rounded habit, naturally regular, makes it an excellent choice for low borders, rockeries, miniature hedges, or container growing. In spring, small pale yellow flowers appear discreetly, followed by decorative red berries at the end of the season, extending the visual interest. Undemanding and very tolerant, 'Aurea Nana' provides structure, contrast, and vivid color, while requiring little maintenance. It is a reliable choice for creating lasting bright accents in landscape designs.

In the garden

Exposure: Sun to partial shade
Hardiness: Zone 4

Planting guide

Planting & establishment

Spacing / density

45-60 cm (18-24 in.)

Minimum temperature

-34°C

Propagation

Semi-hardwood cuttings

Soil and care

Soil & care

Soil pH

Neutral to slightly alkaline

Moisture

Low to medium

Minimum temperature

-34°C

Care level

Weak

Watering

Moderate, drought tolerant once established

Soil type

Well-drained, tolerant

Fertilization

Little needed, light compost in spring

Seasonal care

In spring, remove dead, weak, or broken branches and prune lightly as needed to maintain a dense and rounded shape. More structural pruning can be done after flowering if necessary. Add a thin layer of mulch to limit weeds and water during dry periods, especially during the first two years.

Container growing

Well-suited for container gardening, in low troughs or decorative pots due to its compact size and moderate growth. Choose a container with excellent drainage, use well-drained potting mix, and water regularly during establishment. In winter, protect the pot from freeze-thaw cycles, especially if the container is exposed to wind.

Size, flowering & harvest

Mature height

45-60 cm (18-24 in.)

Width / spread

0.8 m (2.5 ft)

Flower color

Pale yellow

Foliage color

Golden yellow

Foliage type

Obsolete

Growth rate

Moderate

Growth habit

Bushy compact rounded

Bloom period

Spring

Fruiting

Small, sparse red berries.

Garden associations

Companion plants & uses

Companion plants

Dwarf conifers, spireas, potentillas, junipers, ornamental grasses, purple heucheras, sedums, lavenders

Garden use

Ideal for low borders, rock gardens, shrub beds, foundation plantings, informal low hedges, slopes, decorative containers, or as a contrasting accent in a landscape. It pairs well with purple, dark green, or bluish foliage to highlight its golden color.

Wildlife and pets

Wildlife & precautions

Supporting wildlife

Its small yellow spring flowers can attract bees and other pollinating insects. Its decorative red berries can also be of interest to certain birds at the end of the season.