Why Do Barberries Die?

The most common wilt to affect barberry shrubs is verticillium wilt. This soilborne fungal disease causes leaves to yellow, scorch, wilt and drop prematurely. ... Because it is passed through the soil, you shouldn't plant another susceptible plant at the location where a barberry shrub has died from this disease.

Does barberry die in winter?

There's a reason why barberries are among the most popular shrubs around. ... They do lose their leaves during the winter in colder zones, so plant them with other shrubs that are evergreen (they're really lovely with conifers).

Why is my barberry bush losing its leaves?

Root Rot. The fungus Phytophthora attacks the roots of barberry plants, causing stunted, wilted and discolored leaves that drop from the branches prematurely. ... The best defense against root rot is to prevent it from infecting the barberry. Root rot is generally caused by poorly drained soil.