Barberry 'Orange Rocket'

‘Orange Rocket’ is a deciduous Japanese barberry with rusty orange foliage and an upright, columnar habit. Its plant patent describes the exact selection, and Monrovia lists the same cultivar at 4–5 feet tall and 2–3 feet wide after ten years. ## Garden Use Use it as a vertical accent in a border, foundation planting, or container. Its upright outline and orange foliage bring structure and seasonal contrast. Keep the thorny stems clear of narrow paths. ## Light and Seasonal Color Full sun to light shade and well-drained soil suit this shrub. The patent describes rust-orange summer foliage and reports hardiness to USDA zone 5. Mature-size sources differ: the patent gives a 10-year specimen of about 120 cm by 40 cm, Acorn Farms lists 3–4 feet by 15–18 inches, and Monrovia gives 4–5 feet by 2–3 feet. The current 0.7 m width fits Monrovia’s published range. ## Mature Size Published widths vary by source and growing conditions. The catalog retains the measured 0.7 m width and displays Monrovia’s 2–3 foot range as 24–36 inches. ## Maintenance Provide good drainage and water during establishment. Prune lightly as needed to maintain its upright shape. [USPP 18,411](https://patents.google.com/patent/USPP18411P2/en) · [Acorn Farms](https://www.acornfarms.com/responsive/velocity/15AFcategoriesgenusname2TREESSHRUBS.php?Submit=Search&pullname=orange+fall+color) · [Monrovia](https://www.monrovia.com/orange-rocket-barberry.html)