This petite barberry is grown for its stunning foliage and compact size. It will generally stay under 2 feet tall and wide, with little pruning necessary. Its small leaves start out cherry red, edged in yellow in the spring. They fade to purple-red in summer while maintaining their yellow margin. Its yellow flowers are fairly insignificant, and it sets little to no viable seed.

It prefers full sun. It is drought tolerant once established but will be fuller if it receives regular water. It requires little maintenance and is disease and pest free. The Admiration Barberry works well as an accent, foundation, or potted plant. It also works as a deterrent.