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Berberis thunbergii 'Golden Torch'

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Product ID#: bgold
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Starting at: $61.99
Product Description
Sun Exposure Sun
Bloom Time Spring
Soil Conditions Normal, Sandy, Clay/Heavy, Dry
Fall Color Orange, Red
Flower Color Yellow
Fruit Color Red
Mature Plant Size (H x W) 3-4' x 1.5-2'
A rare find! Golden Torch Barberry has leaves emerging with an incredible orange new growth that turns bright yellow as it ages. The yellow color holds up well in the sun without burning. When fall rolls around, the leaves turn a striking orange-gold color. This shrub easily transplants, is tolerant of drier soils and full sun. Pruning is not required unless changing shape or overall size. Wear leather gloves when working with Barberry.

Discover McKay Nursery’s Golden Advantage

With over 120 years of horticultural expertise, McKay Nursery is a trusted, employee-owned company. We grow our plants, fruit trees, and ornamental shrubs, such as the Golden Barberry Torch, in Wisconsin, ensuring they are resilient and thrive in various conditions.

Choose McKay Nursery for top-quality, locally grown plants nurtured by a dedicated team. Experience the difference with our resilient, vibrant Golden Barberry Torch plants, perfect for bringing beauty and light to your garden. For expert advice or additional support, contact us at [email protected] or call 920-478-2121.
  • sunshade Sun
  • Mature Plant Size (H x W) Mature Plant Size (H x W): 3-4' x 1.5-2'
  • Bloom Season Bloom Season: Spring
Key features
  • Deer Resistant
  • Drought Tolerant
  • Walnut Toxicity Resistant
Planting Care

Planting & Care for the Berberis Thunbergii Aurea

Preparation
The Golden Torch Barberry, berberis thunbergii aurea, is a McKay Nursery Company introduction into the U.S. from France.
  • The mature size of the Golden Barberry is about 3-4' tall and only about 20" across, an interesting form in the landscape.
  • It transplants easily, tolerating dry soils and full sun
  • Ensure the plants are well-spaced because they’re prone to growing in dense thickets 
  • Berberis thunbergii aurea (Golden Barberry) can grow almost anywhere. Small bushes enhance a rock garden, while larger kinds light up a border or form a burglar-proof hedge.
  • Barberry is very hardy (-13 degrees Fahrenheit) and deciduous, especially when resisting icy winds.
  • Berberis thunbergii aurea needs full sun to flower and fruit freely but will tolerate light or partial shade.
  • Golden Barberry prospers in various soils, from sand to heavy, often water-logged clay.
  • Plant Golden Barberry March, June-November.
Opening Plant Material
  • Containers: Completely saturate all container plants by putting them in a larger water container until they stop bubbling and remove them. Now ready to plant. Dig a hole no deeper than the depth of the container and 6" or more, ensuring it's wider on the sides.
Planting containers
  • Slide the Berberis thunbergii plant from the pot by tapping on the bottom of the pot.
  • For Golden Barberry plants in plastic containers, trim the bottom 2" off the root ball with a shovel or knife.
  • Rotate the plant to the proper position. Never lift or move plants by the tops.
    Place the root ball in the hole in a spot with partial shade.
  • Notice where the base of the trunk flares out from the tree. This is called the root flare. This root flare should show when the tree is planted. If necessary, add soil under the ball to expose the root flare.
  • Place fertilizer packets into the bottom of the hole (if purchased). *Use Our Recommended Fertilizer.
  • Backfill the hole with soil, ensuring the top of the root ball is visible and slightly higher than the soil around it.
  • Firm the soil around the Golden Barberry. Water well to settle soil around the root ball.
  • See our Planting & Handling Guide for additional planting iformation and illustrations.
Pruning - After Planting
  • Containers: Although it is not essential for containers to be pruned after planting, light pruning to shape new growth, to remove any broken branches from shipping, or to thin out a heavily branched plant will help in the transplanting process and in the appearance of your new planting.
Pruning - Through-out the Season
  • Prune in April: Apart from cutting back frost-damaged shoots in May, no regular pruning is needed. During the growing season, renew old Golden Barberry bushes by cutting back a third of the older stems to near ground level in April.
Watering - After Planting
  • Golden Barberry shrubs typically take approximately 6 weeks to establish new roots in your soil. During this period, water plants as often as every 2-4 days at the start and at least a minimum of once per week.
  • Beyond the 6-week establishment period, water is used once per week unless rain occurs.
  • Stick your finger into the soil around 3” to check soil moisture.
Watering - Through-out the Season
  • After the first season, the Berberis thunbergii aurea should only be watered during extended periods without rain.
  • How do you know if your Berberis thunbergii shrub needs water? The easiest way to tell is to touch the soil around the roots. If it is moist, there is no need to water. If dry, give it a good soak with the hose end (no nozzle), watering the soil only, not the leaves.
  • Stick your finger into the soil around 3” to check soil moisture.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are common pests and diseases that affect Golden Torch Barberry?
Golden Barberry is generally resistant to most pests and diseases but can occasionally be affected by aphids, berberis sawflies, and webworms. Fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and root rot can occur, especially in poorly drained soils or overly humid conditions. Regular monitoring and appropriate cultural practices can help keep these issues under control during growing season.

Can the Golden Torch Barberry shrub tolerate urban pollution?
Yes, Golden Barberry tolerates urban pollution and can thrive in city environments. Its hardy nature makes it an excellent choice for urban gardens, where it can withstand pollution and other challenging growing conditions.

How do I propagate Golden Torch Barberry?
Golden Barberry can be propagated through softwood cuttings taken in late spring or early summer. Cuttings should be 4-6 inches long, dipped in rooting hormone, and placed in a well-draining potting mix. Alternatively, seed propagation is possible but requires cold stratification to break dormancy.

What companion plants pair well with the Golden Barberry shrub?
Golden Barberry is one of the most versatile shrubs alive. It pairs well with ornamental grasses, lavender, and conifers, complementing its bright foliage and contrasting textures. Other good companions include hostas and low-growing perennials, which can provide a variety of colors and shapes throughout the growing season.

What climate zones are suitable for Golden Torch Barberry?
The Golden Torch Barberry shrub is hardy in USDA zones 4-8, making it suitable for various seasons across the United States. It can handle hotter and colder climates. Expect new growth along as it’s planted in well-drained soil and receives adequate direct sunlight.

Planting & Handling Help

Download our Planting and Handling Guide below to plan for a successful arrival and install of your plants. Be sure to water all plants as soon as they arrive and every day until you’re ready to plant. Keep any bare root bundles in a shady, cool spot with the roots covered at all times.

Learn More

Watch our videos on handling bare root plants, how your order is prepared for shipment and more.

Plant Sizing

What is the difference between Containers, Grow Bags, Bare Root, and Balled & Burlap (B&B)?

Shipping Times

Our FedEx and local shipping times depend on two factors, one is by the region and the second is the type of product being shipped. For example, small fruits are only shipped in spring, but majority of our perennials are shipped from spring until fall. Keep in mind the dates below act as a general guide. Due to unpredictable weather, staffing, inventory and industry demands these timelines can change. Therefore, we cannot guarantee any of these times.

 

Shipping Dates by Region*

 

Northern Cold Region: April 22nd - November 7th

Northern Region: April 15th - November 7th

Middle Region: April 1st - November 7th

Southern Region: March 15th - November 7th

Local Delivery (small radius from Waterloo, WI): April 22nd - November 7th

 

Shipping Dates by Season*

 

Spring Shipping: Region Start Date (above) - May

Fall Shipping: September - November

 

Due to unpredictable weather, these times may vary. Some varieties are exceptions due to heat and plant health reasons. Enter your shipping zip code at the top of this page and be sure to check the shipping information on each product before you add it to your cart. If the product is too large or restricted in your state, you will not be able to checkout with that item in your cart.