How to Trim a Crimson Pygmy Barberry

Barberry is a variety of thorny shrub that is native to Japan. The Crimson Pygmy Barberry, also called Berberis thunbergii, is a smaller version of the plant, which, like the name implies, has a deep red or burgundy tint to it. Although pruning is not required for the Crimson Pygmy Barberrry bush, it will improve the appearance. Light pruning can be performed any time of the year, but heavy pruning should occur only in late winter.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Long-sleeved top
• Gardening gloves
• Pruning shears

1. Put on a long-sleeved top and gardening gloves since the Crimson Pygmy Barberry has sharp thorns along the branches.

2. Examine the branches of the bush and look for any that do not contain any foliage and are bare sticks. Reach into the center of the bush and prune off these dead branches, 1/2 inch from the base of the plant, using pruning shears.

3. Prune off an additional one-third of the branches from the center of the bush near the base, to open up the plant and allow sunlight in. Remove the branches from various places around around the inside of the bush and not all in one place. The removal of these branches results in additional foliage growth the following spring.

4. Stand back and look at the overall shape of the Crimson Pygmy Barberry bush. Identify if it is growing over any surrounding plants or landscaping. If so, prune back the tips of the branches by 6 to 12 inches using pruning shears.

5. Rake up all of the trimmed Barberry stems, being careful of the thorns, and place them into a trash bag for disposal.

Tips & Warnings

• If the Crimson Pygmy Barberry is extremely overgrown, you can cut all of the branches back to 10 inches above the ground using the pruning shears.

References

• Backyard Gardener: Berberis thunbergii (Crimson Pygmy Barberry)
• Sunny Gardens: Berberis thunbergii: Crimson Pygmy'
• The Carolinas Gardener's Guide; Toby Bost, Jim Wilson; 2005