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Berberis Bonanza Gold
Common Name: Japanese Barberry 'Bogozam'
Berberis thunbergii ‘Bonanza Gold’ — commonly known as Bonanza Gold Japanese Barberry — is a compact deciduous shrub valued for its bright golden-yellow foliage, dense habit, and strong landscape presence. It provides vivid seasonal color and excellent contrast with deeper greens and purples in mixed plantings.
Small yellow flowers appear in spring, followed by bright red berries in fall that add polish and extended visual interest.
Key features
Width / spread: 3–4 ft
Height: 3–4 ft
Foliage: Bright golden-yellow (best color in full sun)
Flower color: Yellow (spring, not showy)
Fruit: Red berries (fall–winter)
Form: Dense, rounded shrub
Life cycle: Deciduous shrub
Growing conditions
Sun: Full sun (best foliage color) to light shade
Soil: Well-drained; highly adaptable to many soils
Water: Low to moderate; drought tolerant once established
Hardiness:
Zone Low: 4a
Zone High: 8b
Landscape use
Foundation plantings
Mixed shrub borders
Mass plantings for bright foliage contrast
Accent plantings
Rock gardens
Notes
Bright gilt foliage provides strong seasonal contrast
More compact than some older gold selections
Spiny stems provide natural deer and rabbit resistance
Minimal pruning required—shear lightly to maintain shape
Check local regulations, as Japanese barberry is restricted in some regions
| Plant Type: | Deciduous Shrub |
| Width: | 18"-24" |
| Height: | 18"-24" |
| Fragrant: | Not verified |
| Fruit: | Not verified |
| Fruit Color | Dark Red, Red |
| Zone: | 4–8 |
| Deer Resistant: | Not verified |
| Salt Tolerant: | Not verified |
| Drought Tolerant: | No |
| Exposure: | Full Sun |
| Bloom Time: | Late Spring, Spring |
| Bark Type: | Smooth |
| Landscape/Use: | Container, Foundation, Mass Planting, Accent Plant |
| Shape: | Oval/Rounded |
| Soil Type | Clay, Normal, Loamy |
| Flower Color: | Yellow |
| Fall Color: | Red, Orange, Crimson |
