Berberis thunbergii f. atropurpurea, purpleleaf or redleaf Japanese barberry
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Deciduous Shrubs

Berberis thunbergii f. atropurpurea

purpleleaf or redleaf Japanese barberry

Berberidaceae

Japan (species); f. atropurpurea arose in cultivation

At a Glance

TypeShrub
HabitMounding
FoliageDeciduous
Height3-6 feet (90-180 cm)
Width4-7 feet (120-210 cm)
Maturity6 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

4 - 8
Zone 4
Zone 5
Zone 6
Zone 7
Zone 8
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators
Deer Resistant
Drought Tolerant
Maintenancelow

Overview

Berberis thunbergii f. atropurpurea is a botanical forma designation covering seed-grown purple-leaved populations of Japanese barberry rather than a single named clone. Plants typically reach 3–6 feet (90–180 cm) tall and 4–7 feet (120–210 cm) wide in a dense, rounded to broadly arching mound. Because this is a seed-propagated form, individual plants vary in the depth of their purple-red foliage — ranging from deep burgundy to lighter reddish-purple — and in mature size; named cultivars such as 'Atropurpurea Nana', 'Helmond Pillar', and 'Rose Glow' offer more consistent and predictable characteristics. Leaves are spatulate, 0.5–1 inch (1.2–2.5 cm) long, deep purple-red in full sun and more burgundy-green in shade. Sharp single thorns at each node. In April through May, small yellow flowers hang inconspicuously beneath the stems. Bright red oblong berries 0.3 inch (8 mm) long ripen in fall and persist through winter; they are attractive to birds, which disperse seeds. Fall foliage transitions to vivid orange-red before leaf drop. Berberis thunbergii is listed as invasive in numerous eastern and midwestern US states where bird-dispersed seeds naturalize in forests; it is not currently regulated in Washington or Oregon.

Native Range

Berberis thunbergii is native to Japan. The f. atropurpurea forma comprises purple-leaved seedling populations that arose in cultivation; it has no distinct native range separate from the species.

Suggested Uses

Used in mixed shrub borders, mass plantings, informal hedges, and erosion control plantings where a variable-sized purple-foliaged mound is acceptable. Where consistent size and color are required, use named cultivars. Deer-resistant and tolerant of urban conditions. Not recommended adjacent to natural areas or forest edges.

How to Identify

Identified by small spatulate deep purple-red to burgundy leaves 0.5–1 inch (1.2–2.5 cm) long, sharp single thorns at each node, and a dense rounded to arching mound habit. Distinguished from named purple-leaved cultivars by its variability — seed-grown plants differ in size and foliage intensity. Bright red berries persist on bare thorny stems through winter. Fall color is vivid orange-red.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height3' - 6'
Width/Spread4' - 7'

Reaches mature size in approximately 6 years

Colors

Flower Colors

yellow

Foliage Colors

red
purple

Fall Foliage Colors

orange
red

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~3 weeks
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
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Spring
Blooms April through May with small yellow flowers 0.25 inch (6 mm) across in small clusters beneath the stems — partially hidden by foliage and not ornamentally significant. Red berries ripen September through October and persist through winter.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

yellow

Foliage Description

deep purple-red to burgundy in full sun; burgundy-green in shade; orange-red in fall

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun
Partial Shade
Requires 4-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 7.5(Neutral)
357912
Soil Types
loamclaysandsilt
Drainage
well drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Low

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

5-7 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Plant in full sun for deepest purple foliage color; shade produces more green-burgundy leaves. Adapts to a wide range of well-drained soils; avoid waterlogged conditions. Very drought-tolerant once established; water regularly during the first growing season only. Because this is a seed-grown form, plants vary in mature size — allow 5–7 feet (1.5–2.1 m) spacing for plants of unknown ultimate size. Do not plant adjacent to natural areas where bird-dispersed seeds can escape. Named cultivars are preferable where consistent size and color are needed.

Pruning

Prune after flowering (May through June) or during dormancy (November through February). Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches. Shear to maintain desired size and shape. The shrub regenerates well from moderate pruning. Wear thick gloves — thorns are sharp. Remove any green-leaved reversion shoots at their base promptly.

Pruning Schedule

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J
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D
late springwinter

Maintenance Level

low

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Toxic to pets and humans
Berberis thunbergii f. atropurpurea (purpleleaf or redleaf Japanese barberry) - Identification & Care Guide | PlantRef