What’s wrong with my Barberry shrubs?

Question

I recently planted 2 Pygmy Ruby Barberry shrub. The attached pictures show they look great until I pull the outer branches aside. The inner area of each shrub looks dead. They both are planted on the west side and get filtered sunlight to full sunlight. Any suggestions?

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Answer 1

A dense outer foliar canopy will shade the interior and dis-allow foliage to grow in the interior. So it may be normal.
If you think it's excessive or if the outer foliage begins to be affected, inspect closely for insect or mite pests on the stems and leaf surfaces top and bottom. For this you may need the help of a professional for definitive diagnosis and treatment.