My favorite plant in the garden this week: Berberis x stenophila 'Corallina Compacta'

Such a big name for such a small shrub. Berberis x stenophylla 'Corallina Compacta' is my favorite plant in the garden this week. Compact coral barberry is a hybrid between Berberis darwinii and Berberis empetrifolius.

This small shrub has a wonderfully quirky growth habit, somewhat wild and random, but still architecturally pleasing. This one is growing off of the back patio.

The flower buds start out red, immediately following the reddish new growth (seen on the lower branch) and extending the bronze/rose flush that precedes the orange to dark yellow flowers.

Please excuse the exposed landscape fabric. I haven't gotten around to cutting it out yet. That contractor does love his landscape fabric and black plastic. But this photo does display how well this barberry pairs with stone.

Each plant has it's own unique shape.

As the buds expand, they lighten from red, through orange, to a dark yellow-orange with darker sepals.

The tiny leaves, about half an inch long and an eighth of an inch wide, are dwarfed by the open flowers.

 The stats on Berberis x stenophylla 'Corallina Compacta'

• Sources vary on size. Most say 6"-1'. Some say 2-3.5' tall and 4' wide. Given that most shrubs keep growing as long as they live, it may eventually reach the larger size, but only after a few decades.
• Hardy in USDA zones (5)6-9(10). Again, varying information depending on the source.
• Small, narrow, evergreen leaves with bronze to pinkish-red new growth.
• Relatively large, dark yellow-orange flowers from red buds.
• Sharp thorns and prickly foliage make this dwarf shrub practically deer-proof
• drought and clay-tolerant. 
• A great plant for smaller spaces and rock gardens.

The name may be bigger than the plant, but this little shrub is packed with character. It's a good thing that I like that character, because this soft-looking plant is surprisingly spiky. Prune with caution.

I wonder if this deceptively dangerous plant will catch the eye of our host for the My Favorite Plant meme, Loree of Danger Garden. For her favorite plant this week, as well as other bloggers' favorites, click here.