Purple (Red) Leafed Japanese Barberry

Berberis thunbergii var. atropurpurea

Berberidaceae · broadleaf deciduous shrub · introduced

Last updated May 10, 2026

Quick Facts

Height

3–6 ft

Growth Rate

Moderate

Light

Full Sun

Soil

Adaptable

Water

Moderate

Hardiness

Zone Zones 4a–8b

Bloom Time

April to May

Fall Color

Purple, red

Aecial Stage (Alternate Host)

Spring Emergence / Primary Infection

Spring Feeding & Egg Production

Stage	Typical Window	What to Look For
Bud break BBCH 07	Feb 15-Mar 15	Buds swelling and beginning to open; first green tissue visible
Leaf emergence BBCH 11	Mar 1-Apr 1	First leaves fully unfurled on new growth
Bloom start BBCH 61	May 1-May 31	First open flowers visible; flowers yellow
Bloom end / petal fall BBCH 69	May 15-Jun 15	Last petals falling; flower structures fading
Fruit/seed development BBCH 71	Jun 1-Aug 31	Fruit or seed structures forming; fruit color: red
Fruit/seed maturity BBCH 85	Dec 1-Feb 28	Fruit fully colored and ripened; seed dispersal may begin
Fall color / leaf senescence BBCH 93	Oct 1-Nov 15	Leaves changing color; fall display beginning
Dormancy BBCH 97	Nov 15-Feb 28	Leafless; no active growth; dormant buds set

'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.