Known for its excellent dark red foliage and multitude of uses, from ornamentals to shrubbery, the Crimson Pygmy Barberry is a landscape favorite.
And for good reason: People love the Crimson Pygmy because it offers amazing color without the hassle, especially since it's super drought tolerant and doesn't have pest or disease issues. So, if you're looking for the whole package, the Crimson is ideal...but it's important to keep a few care tips in mind. Check out our pointers below!
Scouting the Area
Start by selecting a location with full to partial sun and well-drained soil. By full to partial sun, we mean any area that receives about 4 to 8 hours of sunlight each day. We also recommend shielding from excessive afternoon sun for best results.
Aside from that, selecting the Crimson and planting is easy. It grows well in growing zones 4 to 8, so it survives in both warm areas and cold climes, even down to -20 degrees.
From there, you can plant your Crimson Pygmys in groups of three or more for a hedge-like look, or plant them as ornamentals in your flower beds.
It's easy because the Crimson adapts to any soil and continues to grow through neglect, so ground planting instructions are effortless: Once you've found your location, dig a hole that's about one and a half to two times the width of your plant's root ball.
Then, place your Crimson in the hole, back fill any soil and then water to settle its roots.
Ongoing Care
Thankfully, our Crimson Pygmy Barberry Shrubs are hassle-free, but proper ongoing care is vital. First, ensure that you set a regular watering schedule - generally, watering your Crimson about once a week should suffice. It's important to check that the surrounding soil is moist but not oversaturated or waterlogged.
But if you're not sure when to water your Crimson, simply check that surrounding soil with your finger, down to about 2 or 3 inches deep. If the soil is dry at this depth, it's time to water your shrub.
Aside from that, no serious pest or disease issues affect the Crimson, and because no pruning or shearing is really necessary, it grows well naturally - especially since it's a manageable dwarf variety. You may shape it to your desired silhouette for plant beds or hedging, but other than that, removing any dead or damaged areas is all the Crimson needs.
Fertilizing
Younger Crimson Shrubs do benefit from yearly feeding...this will encourage denser foliage and an upright, strong growth habit. First, we recommend feeding your Crimson Pygmys in spring, once the last frost has passed. Wait until you see new growth before applying fertilizer, and select a well-balanced blend. We prefer a ratio of 14-14-14 for maximized growth. Do not use the fertilizer's full recommended strength, but do follow the label instructions for application.
More Planting Tips
Basically, the Crimson couldn't be easier to maintain in your landscape. However, we do have a few more tips to ensure your Crimson's care is even more seamless:
- Since it's a dwarf variety, we recommend planting under a window sill or near driveway hedges because it won't overgrow.
- For more immediate results, plant our 3-gallon Crimson Barberry - you get immediate color and almost instant results with this larger, more developed variety.
So, vibrant color and easy, effortless care for your plant beds, foundations and beyond are just a click away. See what all the hype's about here!
