Red Barberry Hedging Plants Description

Berberis ottawensis x Auricoma is hardy and grows well in virtually any soil, including seaside gardens. This variety has vivid red leaves through spring and summer, with a fiery display in autumn, before losing its leaves for winter (also consider Purple Beech for similar dark foliage). It has orange berries in spring. Berberis flowers on old wood so should be pruned soon after flowering so that the new growth can develop in time for the next season. Remove about one third of the older shoots at the base.

For more information on this species, see our ultimate guide to Berberis hedging plants. As Berberis as a species is prickly or thorny, it's also considered iedal as a security hedge, deterring intruders from your property and protecting boundaries. For alternative intruder proof hedges to Berberis, please visit our Intruder Proof Hedging page.

Berberis Red Leaf plants are available to buy all year round. We also stock Purple Leaf Barberry (Berberis thunbergii Atropurpurea) and a whole range of colourful, prickly hedges with berries options. See also our range of evergreen hedging plants for those wanting year round cover and our section dedicated to plants for exposed locations, Hedging for Exposed Sites

If Berberis ottawensis hedging or similar isn't the ideal hedge for you, you'll find a comprehensive selection of alternatives and suggestions for your garden via our Choosing the Right Species page. Alternatively call our sales team who will be happy to advise you.

You’ll see our recommended planting densities for each size and root type listed in the product grid. We suggest that you use these as a guide, taking into consideration how long you’re willing to wait to see your finished hedge. As a rough indication bare roots can be planted at anything from 3 to 7 per metre and cell grown between 4 and 6 - the higher densities here would need to be planted in a double staggered row or zig-zag.

For more information on planting distances please see our planting density advice section.

Berberis ottawensis hedge trimming should be done immediately after flowering.

Free delivery is available on all orders providing they meet the minimum spend criteria for the size of box or pallet. Pallet deliveries and large box deliveries for tall plants are indicated by icons on the product table listings. Delivery costs and minimum order details for each packaging type are as follows:


There are some exceptions to the standard delivery pricing structure, which relate to deliveries to more remote areas, overseas, or extremely tall plants requiring specialist delivery - for more information see the Delivery Information Page

It's Quick! - most orders are despatched within 3-7 working days!! (Some trees can be 7-10 days see product pages for info.)

Next Day Delivery is Available - We can offer next day delivery on eligible species and sizes for an additional £12 incl VAT. Call 01257 263 873 to find out if your order is eligible.

It's Convenient - no need to wait in all day to sign, we don't need a signature (the odd, larger order may require a signature but will be delivered at a mutually agreeable time)

It's Tried & Tested - we use only couriers who have shown consistency in their efficiency & care

* Please note that delivery costs are based on the final order amount in your cart after any discounts have been applied.