Berberis thunbergii f. atropurpurea 'Atropurpurea Nana'
Japanese barberry 'Atropurpurea Nana'
A deciduous dwarf shrub to 60cm, compact and bushy in habit, with spiny stems bearing purplish-red, obovate leaves, becoming brighter in autumn. Flowers small, pale yellow, followed by deep red berries
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Yellow | Purple Red | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Purple Red | |||
| Autumn | Purple Red | Red | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or East–facing or South–facing or North–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Berberidaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- Potentially harmful
- Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
- Genus
Berberis can be deciduous or evergreen shrubs with spiny shoots bearing simple, often spine-toothed leaves, and small yellow or orange flowers in axillary clusters or racemes, followed by small berries
- Name status
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Grows in any soil except waterlogged. A sunny position will encourage fruiting and autumn colour
Propagation
Propagate by seed or from semi-hardwood cuttings
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Coastal
- Cottage and informal garden
- Low Maintenance
- Banks and slopes
- Hedging and screens
Pruning
Pests
May be susceptible to aphids and berberis sawfly
Diseases
May be susceptible to powdery mildews and sometimes by honey fungus
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.