Gold Rocket Barberry

Botanical Name: Berberis thunbergii ‘Golden Rocket’

Common Name: Gold Rocket Barberry

Mature Height and Width:
3–4' tall × 1–1.5' wide

Growth Habit: Narrow, upright columnar deciduous shrub with strong vertical stems and tight branching. Maintains a distinctly vertical silhouette with minimal outward spread. Moderate growth rate.

Foliage Description: Small rounded leaves; bright golden-yellow in full sun. Color may soften slightly toward chartreuse in partial shade. Dense foliage held tightly along upright thorny stems.

Flower Description: Small pale yellow flowers in spring; secondary ornamental value.

Bloom Time: Mid-spring.

Fall Color: Yellow to light orange tones before leaf drop.

Light Requirements: Full sun for strongest golden coloration and tightest columnar form.

Hardiness Zone: USDA Zones 4–8

Notable Landscape Uses:
Vertical accent; narrow foundation rhythm planting; low hedge alternative; walkway flanking; color contrast element in mixed borders; modern landscape structure.

Deer Resistance: High
Barberries are generally avoided by deer due to thorny stems and foliage structure.