How to Grow Orange Rocket Barberry - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2024

Orange rocket barberry is a type of deciduous shrub that is native to North America. This plant is known for its vibrant orange berries that appear in the late summer and fall. The orange rocket barberry is a popular choice for landscaping because of its cheerful color and easy maintenance. This plant thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Although the orange rocket barberry is tolerant of a wide range of conditions, it is susceptible to a few diseases, such as powdery mildew and rust.

How to Grow Orange Rocket Barberry - Plant Care & Tips

Alternative name

  • Crimson Pygmy Barberry
  • Dwarf Crimson Pygmy Barberry
  • Crimson Rocket Barberry
  • Crimson Pygmy Berberis
  • Crimson Pygmy Mahonia

Things to Know

  • Orange rocket barberry is an evergreen shrub that can grow up to 6 feet tall.
  • It has dark green leaves that are 2-4 inches long and have sharp spines on the margins.
  • The flowers are small, white, and fragrant. They blooms from May to June.
  • The fruit is a small, red berry that ripens in late summer.
  • Orange rocket barberry is native to Europe and Asia.
  • It was introduced to North America in the early 1800s as an ornamental plant.
  • It can be found in woodlands, fields, and along roadsides.
  • Orange rocket barberry can invasively spread into natural areas and displace native plants.
  • It is important to remove this plant from your property if you find it growing there.
  • If you are looking for an ornamental plant for your garden, consider another species of barberry that is not invasive.

Related plant:
Bush Orange

Growing Steps

  1. For orange rocket barberry, first step is to find a good location. A sunny spot with well-draining soil is ideal.
  2. If you are growing orange rocket barberry from seed, sow the seeds in a seed tray filled with moistened potting mix. Keep the seed tray in a warm location with indirect sunlight.
  3. Once the seedlings emerge, thin them out so that only the strongest seedlings remain.
  4. Transplant the seedlings into individual pots filled with potting mix when they are large enough to handle.
  5. Once the seedlings are transplanted, water them well and keep the soil moist but not soggy.
  6. Fertilize the seedlings every few weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer.
  7. When the seedlings are large enough, transplant them into the garden. Space them about 2 feet apart.
  8. Water the plants regularly and fertilize them every few weeks.
  9. Orange rocket barberry will produce flowers in late spring or early summer.
  10. Once the flowers fade, the berries will start to form. They will be ready to harvest in late summer or early fall.

Related plant:
Acer Palmatum Orange Dream

Considering the Soil

About soil condition, the orange rocket barberry grows best in well-drained soil, it also grows in clay soil as long as it is not too wet. The pH range that is tolerated by the orange rocket barberry is between 5.5 and 7.5.

Light condition

Not too different with other plants, the Orange Rocket Barberry needs sunlight to grow. This shrub can tolerate partial sun, but it will grow best in full sun. If you live in an area with hot summers, you might want to provide some afternoon shade to protect the leaves from scorching.

The Temperature

The temperature condition for the orange rocket barberry is rather warm. They can grow in a temperature range of about 15 to 25 degrees Celsius. They need full sun to partial shade, and well-drained soil.

Ideal Humidity

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is between 40% to 60%. They cannot tolerate excessive humidity and wet conditions as it can promote fungal growth. Too little humidity will cause the leaves to dry out and drop off.

Fertilizing

About fertilizer, this family of plant ( Orange rocket barberry ) recommended use low nitrogen and high phosphorus fertilizer, because this type of fertilizer can encourage the development of deep and extensive roots. In terms of root, orange rocket barberry's roots are relatively shallow and not very strong, so it is not recommended to plant it in a place with strong winds. In addition, the orange rocket barberry is afraid of waterlogging, so the drainage in the planting area must be good.

Light requirement

Pruning your orange rocket barberry is important to encourage new growth and maintain the health of your plant. You can prune your plant in the spring or fall, and depending on the size and shape of your plant, you may need to prune it more than once a year. When pruning, be sure to remove any dead or damaged branches, as well as any branches that are crossing or rubbing against each other.

The Propagation

Propagation for the orange rocket barberry is typically done through softwood cuttings taken from the tips of new growth in late spring to early summer. The cuttings should be 4-6 inches in length and should be taken from healthy, vigorous stems. The bottom leaves on the cutting should be removed and the cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone before being planted in a well-drained potting mix. The cutting should be kept moist and in a humid environment until roots have developed, which typically takes 4-6 weeks. Once roots have developed, the cutting can be transplanted into a permanent location.

Growth Speed

Usually, the plant growth rate is determined by its environment and how much attention it receives. If the plant is well taken care of, it will grow at a faster rate. However, if it is not receiving the proper sunlight or nutrients, the growth rate will be slowed.

Basic Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are powdery mildew, leaf spot, and rust. These can be controlled with the proper fungicide application. Other problems include aphids, scale, and whiteflies. These can be controlled with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil.

Growing Tips

  • Do not forget to water your orange rocket barberry plant regularly.
  • Place your orange rocket barberry plant in an area that receives bright sunlight.
  • Use a well-draining pot or container to grow your orange rocket barberry plant.
  • Fertilize your orange rocket barberry plant every month using a balanced fertilizer.
  • Prune your orange rocket barberry plant regularly to encourage new growth.
  • When growing orange rocket barberry in a pot, make sure to repot it every two or three years.
  • Keep an eye out for pests and diseases and take appropriate measures to control them.
  • Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage more blooms.
  • Harvest the fruits when they are fully ripe and use them fresh or in recipes.
  • overwinter your orange rocket barberry plant indoors if you live in an area with cold winters.

Similar Plants

  • Orange rocket barberry
  • Orange rocket barberry plant
  • Orange rocket barberry bush
  • Orange rocket barberry pruning
  • Orange rocket barberry pictures
  • Orange rocket barberry fruit
  • Orange rocket barberry leaves
  • Orange rocket barberry care
  • Orange rocket barberry seeds
  • Orange rocket barberry plants

Source:
Japanese Barberry: So Beautiful Yet So Harmful - Penn State Extension
Japanese barberry - University of Minnesota
Japanese Barberry Invasive Species Profile - Natural Resource …

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Reviewed & Published by Richelle
Submitted by our contributor
Shrubs Category