Barberries are well-known shrubs for gardens and public areas.

Berberis thunbergii is a deciduous shrub, usually with handsome coloured foliage and attractive autumn colours.

The habit of various cultivars is also of ornamental value. Berberis thunbergii ‘Maria’ is an eye-catcher that combines all these features. This Polish selection is exclusively marketed by Van Vliet New Plants. It has a compact, rather narrow upright habit, which is retained when the plant ages.

At age, no branches lean out of the plant, breaking the shape. The young growth is red, while the mature leaves are bright yellow fading lighter in summer.

The leaves do not burn during warm and sunny spells and are remarkably resistant to powdery mildew. It colours intense orange in autumn.

‘Maria’ is a remarkably compact shrub to 1 m. It is hardy and can be used in gardens and public areas. Due to the narrow habit it is also suited for low hedges. Its foliage colours are great to combine with. The joyful foliage colours make ‘Maria’ a fine potted plant on a balcony or terrace.

Available in New Zealand, Australia & Europe.