Photo of Berberis thunbergii f. atropurpurea form by Jerzy Opioła

Photo by Jerzy Opioła

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Berberis thunbergii f. atropurpurea

Also Known As

  • Berberis thunbergii 'Atropurpurea'
  • Berberis thunbergii var. atropurpurea
  • Dwarf Redleaf Barberry
  • Japanese Barberry
  • Red Japanese Barberry

Plant type

shrub

size

  • H: 3'-10'
  • W: 3'-10'

planting zones

  • 5a-9b

More Options

Berberis thunbergii f. atropurpurea plant details

Berberis thunbergii f. atropurpurea is a broadleaf deciduous shrub with purple and red foliage. In spring yellow flowers emerge followed by red fruit. Attracts bees, beneficial insects 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, rich and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Berberis thunbergii f. atropurpurea

Plant type: shrub
Plant family: berberidaceae
Foliage: deciduous purple and red
Mature size: 3 FT - 10 FT - wide, 3 FT - 10 FT - tall
Flowers: yellow blooms in spring
Uses: compact, easy-to-grow, fall color, hedge, mass-planting, rock garden, spiky

GROWING CONDITIONS for Berberis thunbergii f. atropurpurea

USDA Zones: 5a - 9b
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

This popular, medium-sized shrub is noted for its reddish foliage (best in sun); it also has yellow flowers and long-lasting red fruits. S/M
One of the most popular varieties with rich purple foliage color when in full sun. Great for mass plantings or rock gardens. Nice winter interest with showy red berries. Grows to a mature height of 2-3' tall and wide.
Deciduous shrubs grown for their ornamental foliage and striking fall color. They form fine textured, dense rounded shrubs, usually more broad than tall. Size ranges from dwarf (2-3'), to large shrubs (6-8'), good for hedges or specimens. Small cup-shaped flowers line the branches followed by small, bright glossy red fruit that persist into winter. Sun or part shade.

By: Greer Gardens Inc.

Gardening facts about Berberis thunbergii f. atropurpurea plant

How to Grow Berberis thunbergii f. atropurpurea

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - dappled shade
  • Water Needs

    • regular - drought tolerant
  • Soil Needs

    • clay
    • adaptable
    • average
    • well-drained
    • rich
  • Special Situation

    • heat tolerant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • red
    • purple
  • Flower Color

    • yellow
  • Wildlife

    • beneficial insects
    • birds
    • bees
    • deer resistant
    • rabbit resistant
  • Fruit

    • red
  • Flower Season

    • spring
  • Foliage Season

    • deciduous
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