Berberis thunbergii var. atropurpurea 'Crimson Pygmy'

Scientific Name: Berberis thunbergii 'Atropurpurea Nana'

Also Known As

Berberis thunbergii 'Crimson Pygmy'
Crimson Pygmy Barberry
Crimson Pygmy Dwarf Barberry
Dwarf Redleaf Barberry
Japanese Barberry

Plant type

shrub

size

H: 2'-3'
W: 2'-3'

planting zones

4a-9b

More Options

Berberis thunbergii var. atropurpurea 'Crimson Pygmy' plant details

Berberis thunbergii var. atropurpurea 'Crimson Pygmy' is a slow-growing broadleaf deciduous shrub with purple and red foliage. In spring yellow flowers emerge followed by red fruit. Attracts bees and birds making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun - dappled shade and regular - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Adapts to various soil conditions. Does well in average, clay, gritty, rich and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Berberis thunbergii var. atropurpurea 'Crimson Pygmy'

Plant type: shrub
Plant family: berberidaceae
Foliage: deciduous purple and red
Mature size: 2 FT - 3 FT - wide, 2 FT - 3 FT - tall
Flowers: yellow blooms in spring
Uses: compact, dwarf, easy-to-grow, fall color

GROWING CONDITIONS for Berberis thunbergii var. atropurpurea 'Crimson Pygmy'

USDA Zones: 4a - 9b
Sun exposure: sun - dappled shade
Watering frequency: regular - low
Resistant to: deer and rabbit, heat
Soil needs: average, clay, gritty, rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Very dwarf selection (not more than 2' x 2' in 10 years); new leaves are bright red aging to bronzy red; excellent deciduous hedge. S/M

By: Forestfarm

This dwarf deciduous shrub makes an excellent choice for groupings or as a low accent hedge. Another asset is its dark red foliage, which it features throughout the summer. Leaves change to orange, red and yellow in the fall months, and hold their color best when planted in full sun.

By: Garden World

A dwarf, densely branched shrub that keeps its deep crimson foliage color all season long for excellent color contrast to other plants.

By: Maples N More Nursery

Nice mounding habit, works well as color contrast in shrub beds. Plant in well-drained soil. Responds well to pruning.

By: Bloom River Gardens

Fine dwarf shrub that makes an excellent low hedge or tall groundcover. Tops for red color throughout the growing season. Grows 2-3' tall and wide in ten years. Awards: Award of Garden Merit from the Royal Horticultural Society.

By: Fantastic Plants

Compact variety with attractive small purple-red leaves. Deciduous. Deer resistant. USDA Zones 4-8

By: Lael's Moon Garden

The most popular Japanese Barberry. An excellent landscape plant. Good for hedge, BARRIER or specimen. Magnificent new foliage. Withstands dry soil when established. Low maintenance. Orange-red fall color. Full sun for best color. A classic and for good reason.