The Shrub With Colorful Foliage In Summer & Fall That Makes A Great Privacy Hedge

Nobody likes feeling watched in their own yard. That's where privacy hedges come in. They guard your space from wandering gazes while also wrapping your space in lush greenery, giving the whole area a softer and more serene vibe. The problem, though, with most hedges is that they are ... just green. There is nothing wrong with it, obviously. But what if you want something that pops? That is where 'Orange Rocket' barberry (Berberis thunbergia 'Orange Rocket') comes in. It is an award-winning barberry cultivar known for its bold, shifting colors, with leaves that start coral-orange in spring, deepen to lush green in summer, and finally flare into a dramatic, fiery-red hue as autumn arrives. Even better? Its colorful show does not stop with its leaves in the fall. While the early-summer blooms aren't bold, those flowers are followed in the fall by bright fruits that attract birds over the winter.

And what makes 'Orange Rocket' barberry even more appealing is that it is surprisingly practical and low maintenance as well. You can not only use it in groups for borders or privacy hedges, but also as a standalone specimen plant. It does not have any major pest problems, and it is easy to grow and easy to care for. The only problem is that it does not grow very fast. So, if you are looking for hedges you can plant in your yard that grow fast, you might have to look into other plants. Also, keep in mind, 'Orange Rocket' barberry is hardy in USDA plant hardiness zones 5 to 9. If you are outside these zones, there are other hedges you can plant for privacy in your yard.

The very first thing to think about when planting 'Orange Rocket' barberry as a privacy hedge is spacing. Set the shrubs too far apart, and the screen becomes ineffective. Pack them too tightly, though, and you reduce airflow, which can encourage fungal problems, and that is not good for 'Orange Rocket' barberry, as it is already susceptible to powdery mildew. Now you might be wondering what the sweet spot is, then. Well, 2 to 3 feet. 'Orange Rocket' barberry grows about 4 to 5 feet tall and 2 to 3 feet wide. So, keeping it at this spacing gives you the best coverage, minus the issues.

Spacing, though, is just part of the equation. You also need to give the right growing conditions if you want it to thrive. And that starts with well-drained soil. Don't worry, though, if your soil holds too much water, as there are many useful drainage solutions that can help you prevent overflow in your yard. But while the 'Orange Rocket' Barberry won't compromise on well-draining soil, it is much more forgiving when it comes to sunlight. You can grow it in both full sun and partial shade; however,  if you want it to really show off its red color, full sun is ideal.

This shrub is forgiving when it comes to watering, too, once established. During the first season, keep the plants consistently watered so they develop a strong root system, allowing them to thrive without much water once they are established. Although 'Orange Rocket' barberry does not need much pruning, you can prune in winter to maintain the hedge shape or remove dead branches.