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Description
Berberis Thunbergii Orange Rocket, also known as Orange Rocket Barberry, is a deciduous shrub that belongs to the Berberidaceae family. It is native to Japan and grows up to 3-4 feet tall and 2-3 feet wide. The leaves of this plant are small, narrow and bright orange-red in color, which makes it a popular choice for adding color to the landscape. The plant produces small yellow flowers in the spring and is followed by red berries in the fall.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Ranunculales |
| Family | Berberidaceae |
| Genus | Berberis |
Appearance
Berberis Thunbergii Orange Rocket has a dense, upright growth habit with a mounding shape. It is a small shrub that can grow up to 3-4 feet tall and 2-3 feet wide. The leaves are small, narrow, and bright orange-red in color, which makes it a standout in the landscape. In the spring, it produces small yellow flowers that are followed by red berries in the fall. The plant is deciduous, which means it loses its leaves in the fall.
Care Guide
Berberis Thunbergii Orange Rocket is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for. Here are some tips for caring for this plant:
- Water: Water the plant regularly, especially during hot and dry weather.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant in the spring with a balanced fertilizer.
- Soil: Plant the shrub in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
- Sunlight: Plant the shrub in full sun to partial shade.
- Hardiness Zones: Berberis Thunbergii Orange Rocket is hardy in zones 4-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Berberis Thunbergii Orange Rocket is a relatively pest and disease-resistant plant. However, it may occasionally be affected by the following:
- Scale Insects: These insects can cause yellowing and wilting of the leaves.
- Spider Mites: These pests can cause the leaves to become stippled and discolored.
- Powdery Mildew: This fungal disease can cause a white powdery coating on the leaves.
Habitat
Berberis Thunbergii Orange Rocket is native to Japan and is commonly found in woodland areas and along forest edges. It is a popular landscaping plant in North America and is often used in mass plantings, mixed borders, and as a specimen plant.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Berberis Thunbergii Orange Rocket a good plant for a beginner gardener?
A: Yes, this plant is easy to care for and is a good choice for beginner gardeners.
Q: Does Berberis Thunbergii Orange Rocket attract wildlife?
A: Yes, the plant produces red berries in the fall that are attractive to birds.
Q: How often should I fertilize Berberis Thunbergii Orange Rocket?
A: Fertilize the plant once a year in the spring with a balanced fertilizer.
Q: How tall does Berberis Thunbergii Orange Rocket grow?
A: The plant can grow up to 3-4 feet tall.
Related Plants
- Berberis Thunbergii
- Berberis Vulgaris
- Berberis Darwinii
- Berberis Julianae
References
- Missouri Botanical Garden. (n.d.). Berberis Thunbergii ‘Orange Rocket’. Retrieved from https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=e378
- University of Connecticut Plant Database. (n.d.). Berberis Thunbergii ‘Orange Rocket’. Retrieved from https://www.hort.uconn.edu/plants/detail.php?pid=57
- Wikipedia. (2021, May 17). Berberis Thunbergii. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Berberis_thunbergii
