Spreading Red Barberry

Red Carpet is a low, spreading Japanese barberry with orange-red new leaves that mature to burgundy-red. Its broad, ground-hugging form suits sunny border edges, rock gardens, and mass plantings where the thorny branches have room to spread. ## Foliage and form The cultivar has a compact height and a much wider spread. [Wilson Bros Gardens](https://www.wilsonbrosgardens.com/berberis-thunbergii-red-carpet-barberry-1g.html) lists it at 12–15 inches tall and 3–4 feet wide; [The Tree Center](https://www.thetreecenter.com/red-carpet-barberry/) gives a similar mature range of 1–1.5 feet high by 3–4 feet wide. The foliage shifts from bright orange-red in spring to burgundy-red as it matures. ## Flowers and fruit Small yellow flowers appear in spring, followed by bright-red berries. The branches are spiny, so allow clearance from paths and play areas. Both nursery profiles describe full-sun placement and well-drained soil; Wilson Bros reports USDA zones 4–8 and drought tolerance after establishment. ## Maintenance Water through the first growing season and during prolonged dry spells. Once established, the shrub tolerates dry conditions. The naturally spreading form needs little pruning; trim selectively to maintain an edge or remove damaged branches.