Purple (Red) Leafed Japanese Barberry
Berberis thunbergii var. atropurpurea
Berberidaceae · broadleaf deciduous shrub · introduced
Last updated
Plant Profile
Size & Form
Height
3–6 ft
Growth Rate
Moderate
Size at 20 yr
6 ft
Lifespan
Moderate
Site Requirements
Light
Full Sun
Soil Drainage
Adaptable
Soil pH
5.5-7.2
Water
Moderate
Drought Tolerance
Low
Hardiness
Zones 4a–8b
Ornamental Interest
Bloom Time
April to May
Fall Color
Purple, red
Watch for this season
Powdery MildewHigh
Active Conidial Spread
RustHigh
Uredinial Stage (Summer)
Lecanium scaleModerate
Spring Feeding & Egg Production
Diseases: Regionally Documented (3)
Pests: Regionally Documented (1)
Phenological Calendar
View full calendar (8 stages)
| Stage | Typical Window |
|---|---|
| Bud break BBCH 07 | Feb 15-Mar 15 |
| Leaf emergence BBCH 11 | Mar 1-Apr 1 |
| Bloom start BBCH 61 | May 1-May 31 |
| Bloom end / petal fall BBCH 69 | May 15-Jun 15 |
| Fruit/seed development BBCH 71 | Jun 1-Aug 31 |
| Fruit/seed maturity BBCH 85 | Dec 1-Feb 28 |
| Fall color / leaf senescence BBCH 93 | Oct 1-Nov 15 |
| Dormancy BBCH 97 | Nov 15-Feb 28 |
Cultivars (4)
'Crimson Pigmy'
Common name: Crimson Pigmy Japanese Barberry; Mature height: 2 ft; Origin: trade_introduction_year:
'Golden Ring'
Common name: Golden Ring Barberry; Mature height: 4–5 ft; Origin: trade_introduction_year:
'Rose Glow'
Common name: Rose Glow Barberry; Mature height: 4–5 ft; Origin: trade_introduction_year:
'Royal Burgundy'
Common name: Royal Burgundy Barberry; Mature height: mature_spread:; Origin: trade_introduction_year:
Data Maturity Structured Multiple sources. Expert review underway.