Berberis thunbergii f. atropurpurea 'Atropurpurea Nana'

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Key characteristics

Family: Berberidaceae
Height: 18 to 24 inches
Width: 24 to 36 inches
Flower color: Yellow flowers lightly flushed with red on the outer petals
Foliage color: Deep burgundy to purple red small oval leaves often turning brighter red in fall
Bloom time: Mid spring; often April to May
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Water: Average
Maintenance: Low; prune lightly after flowering to shape plants and remove older stems to maintain a compact habit
Growing zone: USDA zones 4 to 8
Wildlife: Bees and birds that feed on the small bright red berries

Shrubs

Berberis thunbergii f. atropurpurea 'Atropurpurea Nana'

Red Japanese Barberry

Berberis thunbergii f. atropurpurea 'Atropurpurea Nana' forms a dense mound of small, rounded leaves colored deep burgundy to reddish-purple through the growing season. The closely spaced foliage creates a refined texture along slender stems armed with short spines. In mid spring, small yellow flowers appear along the branches, adding a soft seasonal accent among the dark leaves. By autumn, bright red berries develop and remain on the stems after the foliage turns vivid crimson.

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Water

Average

Bloom time

Mid spring; often April to May

Find this plant

Works well in

Specimen Plants
Formal Gardens
Borders
Pathways & Walkways

Companion plants

Abelia · Tufted hair grass · Stonecrop · Coneflower · Agastache · Blazing star

Design tip

Deep burgundy foliage can give a planting bed definition without making it feel overly formal. Try repeating several of these compact shrubs along a border or walkway, then weave lighter greens and flowering perennials between them for an easy rhythm and plenty of contrast.