Sunsation® Yellow Barberry

Sunsation® is the trade name for Berberis thunbergii ‘Monry’, a compact, dense, slow-growing Japanese barberry with golden-yellow and green foliage. New leaves are greenish yellow, and the rounded shrub adds bright color to a border or foundation planting. ## Form and Foliage The [Canadian Food Inspection Agency cultivar profile](https://inspection.canada.ca/en/plant-health/horticulture/horticulture-manuals/technical-reference-r-004) identifies ‘Monry’ as Sunsation® and reports a mature height of about 90–120 centimetres with spread up to about 120 centimetres. The [Canadian Plant Varieties Journal](https://publications.gc.ca/collections/collection_2008/inspection/A27-13-67E.pdf) also identifies the cultivar and describes its foliage and selection history. ## Placement Provide sun and well-drained soil. The golden leaves contrast with darker shrubs in a mixed bed, foundation planting, or informal low screen. Japanese barberry stems are thorny, so avoid placing it where people will brush against the branches. ## Seasonal Interest Golden-yellow and green leaves carry the display through the growing season. New growth is greenish yellow, with exact tones varying as leaves mature and with local light and climate. ## Maintenance Let the natural compact outline develop, pruning only to remove damaged or misplaced stems. Wear gloves when handling branches. Water while establishing and during prolonged dry spells, and avoid saturated soil.