Barberry - Helmond Pillar Berberis thunbergii 'Helmond Pillar'  grows as it is named.  It is a shrub that grows in a shape like a pillar.  If you like lots of color this is the shrub for you.  It is magnificent with it's reddish brown stems and reddish foliage.  It produces small yellow flowers with purple veins in the early spring.  In the fall it sports red and maroon foliage. 

It grows 4-5 feet tall and has a 1-2 foot spread.  It would be great in an area where you need some height or to add some pizzaz.  It is a beautiful backdrop with other colorful plants around it. I think it would look great next to a birdbath or pond.  It does have a bright red fruit in the summer and fall which will attract birds although it does have thorns as well but the birds don't seem to mind those.