Shrub Berberis × mentorensis [Mentor Barberry] An adaptable plant that does well in an urban environment. Can be coppiced with new growth developing better summer color. Can be pruned to ground every 5 to 7 years. Full sun to partial shade. Relatively trouble-free. Large thorns and spiny leaves are a maintenance problem. Collects litter around the base.
Shrub Berberis thunbergii [Japanese Barberry] An adaptable plant that does well in an urban environment. Can be coppiced, with the resulting new growth developing better summer color. Can be pruned to ground every 5 to 7 years. Relatively trouble-free.
Shrub Berberis thunbergii 'Bogozam' [sold as Bonanza Gold™] [Bonanza Gold Japanese Barberry] 'Bogozam' is noted for its golden yellow leaves and compact, dwarf habit. An adaptable plant that does well in an urban environment. Place in a high light location for best foliage coloration. Can be coppiced, with the resulting new growth developing better summer color. Can be pruned to ground every 5 to 7 years. Relatively trouble-free.
Shrub Berberis thunbergii var. atropurpurea [Purple Japanese Barberry] This variety has purple to red summer foliage, turning a rich red to red-violet in the fall. It is an adaptable plant that does well in an urban environment. Place in a high light location for best foliage coloration. Can be coppiced, with the resulting new growth developing better summer color. Can be pruned to ground every 5 to 7 years. Relatively trouble-free.
Shrub Berberis thunbergii var. atropurpurea 'Crimson Pygmy' [Red Dwarf Japanese Barberry] The Red Dwarf Japanese Barberry is exceedingly popular due to its dense, low growing form, brilliant foliage, and tolerance to tough urban conditions. For the best leaf coloration, place in full sun. This plant tolerates dry soils, but will suffer in wet, poorly drained soils.
Shrub Mahonia aquifolium [Oregon Grapeholly] Widely adapted to soil type and environment, except high pH soils that will cause chlorosis. Quite susceptible to winter-burn. Do not plant in sites exposed to strong winds or afternoon sun in winter. Can get leggy with age. Fruits are edible and can be used in jellies.
Shrub Nandina domestica [Heavenly Bamboo] The beautiful red fruits are so prolific they can even bend down branches. Tolerates full sun or shade, even fruits well in shade. Prune by cutting canes back to ground. Develops iron chlorosis on Southwestern US due to high soil pH. 'Atropurpurea Nana' stays 2' high with reddish-green color throughout summer, turning dark red in winter.