Berberis thunbergii [good purple]

Also Known As

Good Purple Barberry

Plant type

shrub

size

H: 4"-6'
W: 4"-6'

planting zones

6a-10b

Berberis thunbergii [good purple] plant details

Berberis thunbergii [good purple] is a broadleaf deciduous shrub with burgundy foliage. In spring yellow flowers emerge followed by red fruit. Grows well with sun - dappled shade and regular - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Adapts to various soil conditions. Does well in average, clay, rich and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Berberis thunbergii [good purple]

Plant type: shrub
Plant family: berberidaceae
Foliage: deciduous burgundy
Mature size: 4 IN - 6 FT - wide, 4 IN - 6 FT - tall
Flowers: yellow blooms in spring
Uses: border plant, easy-to-grow, fall color, hedge, rock garden, spiky

GROWING CONDITIONS for Berberis thunbergii [good purple]

USDA Zones: 6a - 10b
Sun exposure: sun - dappled shade
Watering frequency: regular - low
Resistant to: deer and rabbit, heat
Soil needs: average, clay, rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

And a very good purple it is! Though it well might have a more “proper” name, this plant, given to us by horticulturist Neil Bell, illicits such admiration from garden visitors that we felt a duty to reproduce it -- and thus it remains “good purple” for the time being. The overlapping, 1”, velvety, deep burgundy leaves are held late into the season on this 6 ft, fountain-like shrub, providing a rich tapestry of fall color, for us in late November and December. Rich yellow flowers against the dark leaves are also an attraction in spring as are the small, orange-red fruits that adorn the arching branches in late summer and fall. Full sun to bright shade and regular summer water. Frost hardy to USDA zone 5 or 6. Not recommended to the Northeast because of invasive potential.