‘Gentry’, commonly sold under the trade name of ROYAL BURGUNDY, is a dense, compact, low-mounding shrub that typically grows to 24-30" tall and 40" wide. It was discovered growing in a bed of Berberis 'Crimson Pygmy' plants at the Leo Gentry Wholesale Nursery in Gresham, Oregon in 1989. Leaves emerge rich burgundy in spring but mature to soft reddish-black. Tiny, bell-shaped, pale yellow flowers (to 1/2” long) bloom in March-April in short racemes along spiny, reddish-purple stems. Three-parted spines at the leaf bases are distinctive for this cultivar. Glossy, ellipsoid, bright red berries mature in fall and persist into winter. The berries are attractive to birds. U.S. Plant Patent PP9,461 was issued on March 5, 1996.
Easily grown in average, dry to medium, well-drained soil in full sun. Tolerates part shade, but performs best with full sun. This is a very adaptable shrub that is tolerant of urban conditions. Plants also tolerate heat and drought but are generally intolerant of poorly-drained, wet soils. Plants spread slowly by creeping roots. Plants can also spread by self-seeding (birds will eat the fruits and distribute the seed). Plant branches may root where they touch the ground.
| Requirement | |
|---|---|
| Hardiness | 4,5,6,7,8 |
| Heat Zones | 4,5,6,7,8 |
| Climate Zones | 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 |
| Plant Type | Shrubs |
| Plant Family | Berberidaceae |
| Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
| Season of Interest | Spring, Fall, Early Spring, Mid Spring, Late Spring |
| Height | 2' - 3' |
| Spread | 2' - 3' |
| Water Needs | Average |
| Maintenance | Average |
| Soil Type | Acid |
| Characteristics | Showy, Clay Soil Tolerant, Deer Tolerant, Dry Soil Tolerant |
| Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden |
| Planting Place | Beds and Borders, Edging |