Skip to content

Red-Leaf Japanese Barberry

Berberis Thunbergii 'Atropurpurea'

Design with this plant

Overview

The Red-Leaf Japanese Barberry (Berberis thunbergii 'Atropurpurea') is a vibrant deciduous shrub featuring striking reddish-purple foliage that adds contrast to any landscape. This hardy plant reaches 4 to 6 feet in height with an equal spread, making it ideal for hedging or as a focal point. It thrives in full to partial sun and adapts to various soil conditions, tolerating drought once established. Caution: Sharp thorns and can become invasive.

Sun FullWater Extra in Summer, MediumZones 7–10Climate Temperate
Red-Leaf Japanese Barberry (Berberis Thunbergii 'Atropurpurea') — This hardy plant reaches 4 to 6 feet in height with an equal spread

Culture

Sun
Full
Water
Extra in Summer, Medium
USDA zones
7–10

Shape & size

Classification

Family
Berberidaceae
Climate
Temperate

See full data, regional cultivation notes, full-resolution photos, and design tools. Build a client presentation around this plant.

Start your 14-day trial

Photos (51)

Red-Leaf Japanese Barberry (Berberis Thunbergii 'Atropurpurea') — thus requiring periodic pruning to keep it in check; making it deer-resistant.<br><br>The
Red-Leaf Japanese Barberry (Berberis Thunbergii 'Atropurpurea') — When planning for a garden layout; in overall design, it pairs well with green-leaved plants
Red-Leaf Japanese Barberry (Berberis Thunbergii 'Atropurpurea') — it is often used as a focal point; caution: Sharp thorns and can become invasive

Related plants

Fairy Wings Epimedium (Epimedium Sul. 'Fairy Wings') — The Fairy Wings Epimedium, or Epimedium x sulp

Fairy Wings Epimedium

Epimedium Sul. 'Fairy Wings'

Half · Zones 4–7

Tangelo™ Barberry (Berberis thunbergii) — is a mounded deciduous shrub with vivid orange new growth that develops chartreuse margins

Tangelo™ Barberry

Berberis thunbergii

Full

Warty Barberry (Berberis Verruculosa) — Berberis verruculosa, or Warty Barberry, is an evergreen shrub reaching up to 3 feet in height and spread

Warty Barberry

Berberis Verruculosa

Full · Zones 5–7

Plum Passion Winter Nandina (Nandina Domestica 'Plum Passion') — stands out with vibrant purple foliage that intensifies in winter

Plum Passion Winter Nandina

Nandina Domestica 'Plum Passion'

Full · Zones 6–10

'Woodland Elf' Barrenwort (Epimedium hybrid) — It matures to about 18 inches tall and 18-24 inches wide, forming a refined filler or groundcover

'Woodland Elf' Barrenwort

Epimedium hybrid

Blue Cohosh (Caulophyllum Thalictroides) — Blue Cohosh, Caulophyllum thalictroides, is a shade-loving perennial native to woodland areas

Blue Cohosh

Caulophyllum Thalictroides

Half · Zones 3–8