1 / 5Key characteristics
- 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
Shrubs
Berberis thunbergii atropurpurea ‘Rose Glow’
Rose Glow Japanese Barberry
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.
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.
More shrubs

Berberis thunbergii f. atropurpurea 'Gentry'
Royal Burgundy Japanese Barberry
Blooms small, pale yellow flowers
Full sun to partial shade

Leucothoe fontanesiana 'Zeblid'
Scarletta Leucothoe
Blooms white
Partial shade to full shade

Sambucus nigra 'Eva'
Black Lace Elderberry
Blooms light pink clusters
Prefers full sun to partial shade

Nandina domestica 'Gulf Stream'
Gulf Stream Heavenly Bamboo
Blooms white
Full sun to partial shade