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Berberis thunbergii f. atropurpurea
purpleleaf or redleaf Japanese barberry
Japan (the species); f. atropurpurea arose in cultivation as a seed-grown purple-leaved formLearn more
Overview
Berberis thunbergii f. atropurpurea is purpleleaf Japanese barberry (redleaf Japanese barberry), a mounding deciduous shrub growing 3-6 feet (90-180 cm) tall and 4-7 feet (120-210 cm) wide. Deep purple-red small spatulate leaves 0.5-1 inch (1.3-2.5 cm) in full sun — fades to burgundy-green in shade. Single sharp spine at each leaf node. Small yellow bell-shaped flowers 0.25 inch (6 mm) in April-May, largely hidden by foliage. Small red berries 0.3 inch (8 mm) persist through winter. In Berberidaceae. Forma atropurpurea is a seed-grown purple-leaved form — seedling variation in color intensity is common. Named cultivars like 'Rose Glow', 'Royal Burgundy', and 'Crimson Pygmy' are clonal selections with more uniform color. B. thunbergii is classified as invasive in many northeastern and midwestern US states — banned from sale in some jurisdictions. The dense thorny growth harbors black-legged ticks (Ixodes scapularis), the primary vector of Lyme disease — research has shown higher tick densities in barberry-infested areas. This tick association and the invasive status are the primary limitations. Deer-resistant. Drought-tolerant once established. Zones 4-8. Full sun to partial shade. Growth rate is slow to moderate.
Native Range
The species B. thunbergii is native to Japan. Forma atropurpurea arose in cultivation as a seed-grown purple-leaved form. Classified as invasive in many US states.Suggested Uses
Grown as a hedge, barrier planting (thorny), mass planting, and in containers of at least 5 gallons (19 L). Purple-red foliage in full sun. Classified as invasive in many US states — check local regulations. Harbors ticks. Deer-resistant. Zones 4-8.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height3' - 6'
Width/Spread4' - 7'
Reaches mature size in approximately 5 years
Bloom Information
Mid spring (April-May). Yellow bell-shaped flowers 0.25 inch (6 mm) hanging beneath stems, largely hidden by foliage. 2 weeks of bloom. Bee-pollinated. Small red berries ripen in fall and persist through winter.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Yellow, small, 0.25 inch (6 mm), bell-shaped, hanging beneath stems — largely hidden by foliageFoliage Description
Deep purple-red in full sun, fading to burgundy-green in shade; small spatulate leaves 0.5-1 inch (1.3-2.5 cm) long; turns orange-red in fall; single sharp spine at each leaf nodeGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
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
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Full sun to partial shade (4-8 hours — full sun for darkest purple-red). Well-drained soil pH 6.0-7.5. Drought-tolerant once established. Classified as invasive in many US states — check local regulations. Dense thorny growth harbors ticks. Prune in early spring. Sharp spines — wear heavy gloves. Zones 4-8.Pruning
Prune in early spring (March-April) or after flowering. Tolerates hard shearing for formal hedges. Sharp spines — wear heavy gloves. Can be rejuvenation pruned (cut to 6 inches / 15 cm) if overgrown. Remove seedlings to limit invasive spread.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
early spring
Maintenance Level
lowContainer Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 5 gallons