Berberis thunbergii f. 'Bagatelle' (Bagatelle Barberry)

1 / 5

Berberis, Genus, thunbergii, Species, f., Form, atropurpurea, Form, 'Bagatelle', Cultivar,

Genus & species
Form
Cultivar

bagatelle barberry

Berberidaceae

Species native to Japan; cultivar selected in the Netherlands

Attracts Pollinators Deer Resistant Drought Tolerant Container Friendly

SunFull Sun – Part Shade

WaterLow · drought-tolerant

HardinessZones 4–8

Overview

Berberis thunbergii f. atropurpurea 'Bagatelle' is a compact, dense, rounded deciduous shrub reaching 10–15 inches (25–38 cm) tall with a spread of 12–18 inches (30–45 cm) — a dwarf selection within the purple-leaved forma atropurpurea. Leaves are small, obovate, 0.3–0.8 inch (8–20 mm) long, deep reddish-purple to maroon through the growing season. New spring growth emerges crimson-red before darkening to maroon. Single sharp spines occur at each leaf node, less conspicuous than on larger barberry cultivars due to the compact branching. Pale yellow flowers 0.2–0.3 inch (5–8 mm) across appear in April–May but are sparse and largely concealed within the dense foliage. Fruit set is minimal; few small red berries develop in September–October. Growth rate is slow at 1–3 inches (2.5–8 cm) per year; plants take 5–8 years to reach full size. Fall foliage turns bright orange-red and persists 2–3 weeks. The tight, rounded form develops naturally without pruning. In partial shade, the purple foliage becomes green-flushed. B. thunbergii is listed as invasive in Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Wisconsin, and Minnesota; cultivars are restricted under those state regulations.

Native Range

The species Berberis thunbergii is native to Japan and possibly eastern China, occurring on mountain slopes, forest margins, and rocky areas from near sea level to 5,000 feet (1,500 m) elevation. The forma atropurpurea describes purple-leaved seedling variants, and 'Bagatelle' is a cultivar within this forma, selected in the Netherlands.

Suggested Uses

Planted in rock gardens, alpine beds, low border edging, and containers at 12–18 inch (30–45 cm) spacing in zones 4–8. The dwarf size suits small-scale plantings, troughs, and miniature compositions. Grows in containers of at least 2 gallons (8 L). Not suited to states where B. thunbergii cultivars are restricted under invasive species regulations, including Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Wisconsin, and Minnesota.

How to Identify

Berberis thunbergii f. atropurpurea 'Bagatelle' is identified by a compact globose habit at 10–15 inches (25–38 cm) tall, deep maroon leaves 0.3–0.8 inch (8–20 mm) long, and single spines at leaf nodes. Smaller than B. thunbergii 'Concorde' at 18–24 inches (45–60 cm) tall. Differs from B. thunbergii 'Crimson Pygmy' (syn. 'Atropurpurea Nana') by more compact stature and slower growth rate.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height10" - 1'3"

Width/Spread1' - 1'6"

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~2 weeks

Flowers: April–May

Spring

Sparse pale yellow flowers 0.2–0.3 inch (5–8 mm) across appear in April–May, largely concealed within the dense foliage. Fruit set is minimal; occasional small red berries ripen in September–October and do not form a visible fruit display.

Detailed Descriptions

Foliage Description

deep reddish-purple to maroon; crimson-red new growth

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun SunPartial Shade

Requires 5-10 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 - 8.0 (Acidic to alkaline)

3579

Soil Types

loam clay sand chalk

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Low

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Plant in well-drained soil with a pH of 5.5–8.0 in full sun for the deepest purple foliage. In partial shade, leaves develop a greenish cast. Tolerates clay, sand, chalk, and alkaline soils. Water weekly during the first growing season. Established plants tolerate drought intervals of 3–4 weeks. The compact habit requires no shaping. Slow growth means recovery from damage or hard pruning takes 2–3 seasons. B. thunbergii is listed as invasive in Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Wisconsin, and Minnesota; cultivars are restricted under those state regulations.

Pruning

Minimal to no pruning required; the globose habit is self-maintaining. Dead or damaged stems can be removed in early spring (March). Renovation by one-third in early spring is tolerated; recovery takes 2–3 seasons due to slow growth. Single spines warrant protective handling during pruning.

Pruning Schedule

Prune: March

early spring