Aurea Nana Dwarf Yellow Barberry

Aurea Nana is a compact Japanese barberry with bright yellow foliage that warms to orange and red in autumn. Its rounded shape works as a color accent near a path, in a shrub border, or in a container with good drainage. ## Foliage and form Published sizes differ. The [Canadian Food Inspection Agency](https://inspection.canada.ca/en/plant-health/horticulture/horticulture-manuals/technical-reference-r-004) describes a compact plant 60–90 cm tall and 80 cm wide. [Bellevue College Arboretum](https://www.bellevuecollege.edu/sustainability/sustainbc/natural-systems/arboretum/climate-futures-corridor/aurea-nana-barberry/) and [Blue Sky Nursery](https://blueskynursery.ca/products/berberis-thunbergii-aurea-nana/) list plants about 3–4 feet high and 3–5 feet wide. Both descriptions include bright yellow leaves, with autumn foliage turning reddish or orange-red. ## Flowers and siting Small yellow flowers appear in late spring or early summer, followed by red berries. Grow in full sun to part shade and allow room around the sharp thorns. Blue Sky Nursery lists USDA zone 4; Bellevue reports the notation 4(7). ## Maintenance Water regularly during establishment and in extended dry spells. Choose well-drained soil and prune lightly to remove damaged stems or maintain the desired outline.