Do Barberry Lose Their Leaves in Winter?

January 19, 2025 by Simply Bloom

Barberry is a popular ornamental shrub grown for its attractive foliage, interesting thorns, and bright red berries There are over 450 species of barberry that come in a wide range of sizes, shapes, and colors When it comes to barberry leaves in winter, there are some key facts to know

Deciduous vs Evergreen Types

Barberries are classified as either deciduous or evergreen

Deciduous barberries drop all their leaves in autumn before going dormant for winter. Examples include Japanese barberry (Berberis thunbergii), red barberry (Berberis vulgaris) and dwarf barberry (Berberis mentorensis).
Evergreen barberries retain most of their foliage through winter. The leaves may turn red orange or burgundy as winter approaches. Some common evergreens are Darwin’s barberry (Berberis darwinii) and mentorensis x darwinii hybrids.

Winter Interest

Even after dropping their leaves, deciduous barberries still provide interest in the winter garden. Features like:

Bright red berries on bare stems
Colorful, exfoliating bark on mature stems

Intricate branching patterns
Sharp thorns

The eye-catching thorns and branches make the perfect framework for dangling icicles and frost.

Evergreen barberries also lend color when most other plants are dreary and dull. The dark burgundy foliage stands out against snow or other neutral colors.

Protect Tender Growth

While the leaves on evergreen barberry are resilient, new spring growth can be damaged by late frosts. To protect tender shoots:

Hold off on major pruning until after the last frost

Cover plants with fabric if extreme cold is forecasted
Site barberry in a sheltered spot away from harsh winds

In very cold regions, wrap evergreens in burlap for added insulation.

Pruning Guidance

Pruning barberry when dormant helps rejuvenate growth and maintain shape. Follow these tips:

Deciduous types can be cut back by 1/3 their height in early spring
For evergreens, don’t remove more than 10% of growth

Use clean, sterilized pruners to avoid disease transmission
Remove any dead or damaged stems at the base
Cut just above healthy, outward facing buds

Troubleshooting Issues

If barberry leaves are looking poor by winter, a few factors could be the cause:

Insufficient water – drought stress colors leaves prematurely
Harsh winter winds – desiccate and dry out foliage

Root damage from poor drainage – leads to dieback
Disease like leaf spot or rust – create unsightly marks

Ensure barberry are sited in the right growing conditions and watch for signs of disease. Address issues promptly to maintain healthy leaves into winter.

Enjoy Winter Interest

Barberry offer striking visual interest in the landscape throughout winter – whether bare-branched or clothed in deep red leaves. Give these tough, versatile shrubs a spot in your winter garden.

Q&A – Are all barberry plants invasive and draw ticks?

FAQ

What does barberry look like in the winter?

Most varieties are deciduous and go dormant during the winter. A few varieties are semi-evergreen and drop their leaves in mid-winter, while broadleaf evergreen barberry retains its leaves. Most deciduous varieties are hardy in zones 4 through 8.

Why are the leaves falling off my barberry?

Scorching sun and freezing temperatures can be brutal on Japanese Barberry leaves. They might drop off as if saying, “I’m out,” when conditions get extreme. Watering is tricky—it’s like walking a tightrope. Too much water, and the roots drown; too little, and the leaves throw in the towel.

Do barberry plants lose leaves in winter?

They do lose their leaves during the winter in colder zones.

Does barberry stay green all year?

The shrub is medium to very dense with many thorns. The leaves are bright green in summer, changing to orange, scarlet and reddish purple in the fall. Japanese barberry is deciduous, and it is one of the first shrubs to leaf out in spring. This is true for most of the deciduous barberries.

Do barberry shrubs lose their leaves in winter?

Deciduous barberry shrubs lose their leaves in winter, while robust evergreen shrubs go through a range of fall and winter colors as their leaves turn orange, red, or deep burgundy. How fast do barberry shrubs grow?

Do barberry trees go dormant?

With minimal planning and care, the Barberry bush can easily survive the winter and come back in the spring with lush foliage and lovely flowers. Most varieties are deciduous and go dormant during the winter. A few varieties are semi-evergreen and drop their leaves in mid-winter, while broadleaf evergreen barberry retains its leaves.

Do barberry shrubs need winter care?

Winter care for Barberry shrubs is minimal. This leafy shrub is typically deciduous and dormant during the winter. Even evergreen varieties can be left alone in most climates. Plants likely to experience extreme winter weather will benefit from protection, but most plants will be fine without any special care.

Can barberry plants be removed in winter?

Dead or damaged growth can be removed at any time. If you live in an area with exceptionally cold winters, place potted Barberry plants in a protected area during the winter. The roots of potted plants do not have much protection from cold weather, and the winter chill can be damaging.

What does a wintergreen barberry look like?

Wintergreen barberry – Wintergreen barberry (Berberis julianae) is an evergreen shrub with extremely thorny branches. Growing to 10 feet (3 m.) tall, this plant makes an excellent live barrier or hedge. Dark green leaves turn bronze in the winter and yellow flowers follow in the spring. Interesting winter fruits are oval and bluish-black in color.

Are barberry trees evergreen?

A few varieties are semi-evergreen and drop their leaves in mid-winter, while broadleaf evergreen barberry retains its leaves. Most deciduous varieties are hardy in zones 4 through 8. Plants in the colder zones may need some protection to help the plant overwinter, while plants in the warmer regions generally do not need extra winter care.

Leave a Comment Cancel reply