Berberis thunbergii f. atropurpurea 'Rose Glow', Rose Glow Japanese barberry
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Deciduous Shrubs

Berberis thunbergii f. atropurpurea 'Rose Glow'

Rose Glow Japanese barberry

Berberidaceae

Japan (species); cultivar of garden origin

At a Glance

TypeShrub
HabitMounding
FoliageDeciduous
Height4-5 feet (120-150 cm)
Width4-5 feet (120-150 cm)
Maturity5 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 'Rose Glow' is a deciduous shrub reaching 4–5 feet (120–150 cm) tall and 4–5 feet (120–150 cm) wide in a rounded mound with arching branches. Its principal ornamental feature is the variegated foliage: new leaves emerge deep burgundy-purple mottled with pink, rose, and creamy-white splashes — producing the distinctive glowing multicolor effect the cultivar is named for. As leaves mature and harden through summer, the pink and white variegation fades and older foliage becomes more uniformly dark purple. The result is a shrub with a two-toned effect: brightly mottled new growth at the branch tips against darker, more solid purple mature foliage in the interior. In April through May, small yellow flowers hang inconspicuously beneath the stems. Bright red berries ripen in fall and persist through winter after leaf drop. Sharp single thorns at each node. Fall foliage turns vivid orange-red before dropping. 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. All cultivars produce viable seeds.

Native Range

Berberis thunbergii is native to Japan. 'Rose Glow' is a cultivar of garden origin with no independent native range.

Suggested Uses

Used as a medium-sized foliage accent shrub in mixed borders, foundation plantings, and informal hedges where the spring and early summer variegation provides seasonal interest. Effective as a specimen where the two-toned new-growth-versus-mature-foliage contrast can be appreciated up close. Deer-resistant. Not recommended adjacent to natural areas or forest margins.

How to Identify

Identified by small spatulate leaves showing deep purple-red with prominent pink, rose, and creamy-white mottling on new growth — the variegation is most vivid in spring on actively growing branch tips and fades on older leaves as they mature to more uniform dark purple. Sharp single thorns at each node. Shrub reaches 4–5 feet (120–150 cm) tall in a rounded to arching mound. Persistent red berries on bare stems through winter. Distinguished from 'Atropurpurea Nana' by its larger size and from the green-leaved species by the purple foliage base.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height4' - 5'
Width/Spread4' - 5'

Reaches mature size in approximately 5 years

Colors

Flower Colors

yellow

Foliage Colors

red
purple
pink
white

Fall Foliage Colors

orange
red

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~3 weeks
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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. Bright red berries ripen September through October and persist through winter on bare thorny stems.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

yellow

Foliage Description

new growth: deep burgundy mottled with pink, rose, and creamy-white; mature leaves: more uniform dark purple; fall: orange-red

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

4-6 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Plant in full sun for the most vivid foliage variegation — shade reduces pink and white color intensity, resulting in more uniformly green-purple leaves. Tolerates a wide range of well-drained soils; avoid poorly drained sites. Water regularly during establishment; very drought-tolerant once established. The continuously produced new growth (which bears the brightest variegation) can be encouraged by light tip-pruning in early summer, stimulating vigorous flushes of colorful new shoots. Do not plant adjacent to forest edges or natural areas. Berberis thunbergii is banned in several eastern US states; verify local regulations if planting outside Washington or Oregon.

Pruning

Prune after main flowering (May through June) or in winter dormancy (November through February). Light tip-pruning in early summer encourages new growth flushes with the brightest variegation. Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches. Shear to maintain a tidy mound. Wear thick gloves — thorns are sharp. Remove any all-green reversion shoots at their base promptly to prevent loss of the variegated character.

Pruning Schedule

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late springwinter

Maintenance Level

low

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Toxic to pets and humans