Northwest Blooms · Shrubs
Berberis thunbergii atropurpurea ‘Rose Glow’
Rose Glow Japanese Barberry
- Family
- Berberidaceae
- Height
- 4 to 5 feet
- Width
- 3 to 4 feet
- Flower color
- Yellow
- Foliage color
- Deep purple with pink and white marbling
- Bloom time
- Mid to late spring
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade
- Water
- Low to moderate
- Maintenance
- Low; prune in late winter or early spring
- Growing zone
- USDA zones 4 to 8
- Wildlife
- Provides shelter for birds; attracts pollinators like bees with its flowers
About this plant
Berberis thunbergii atropurpurea 'Rose Glow' is a deciduous shrub admired for its eye-catching foliage, which features a stunning blend of colors. The young leaves emerge a bright, rosy pink with irregular splashes of white, creating a marbled effect. As the season progresses, the foliage deepens to a rich purple-red, providing a dynamic, multi-tonal display throughout the growing season.
In spring, small, pale yellow flowers appear, offering a delicate contrast to the bold foliage. These are followed by small, glossy red berries in the fall, which attract birds and add another layer of seasonal interest. 'Rose Glow' is particularly valued for its vibrant, ever-changing color and is often used to create bold accents in borders, hedges, or mixed plantings.
Works well in
Pollinator Gardens · Hedging & Privacy · Borders · Specimen Plants
Companion plants
Oleaster · Mexican orange blossom · Sneezeweed · Black-eyed Susan · Sea thrift · Common sage
Design tip
Let this colorful shrub bring a lively accent to a mixed border or entry garden, where its changing foliage can really stand out. Pair it with quieter green plants and softer textures, then repeat touches of burgundy nearby to make the whole planting feel connected and inviting.
Where to see it
This plant can be seen at the Bellevue Botanical Garden.
