Bagatelle Japanese Barberry

Bagatelle Barberry

Bagatelle Japanese Barberry — properly Berberis thunbergii ‘Bagatelle’ — is a compact deciduous barberry cultivar prized for its rich bronze-to-red foliage, small yellow spring flowers, and bright red berries in autumn and winter. It’s extremely popular in smaller landscapes, borders, and edge plantings for its multi-season ornamental interest.  

Key features
Width / spread: ~1–1.5 ft (small, compact mound)  
Height: ~1–1.5 ft (dwarf, mound-forming)  
Foliage: Coppery-red to deep burgundy deciduous leaves, brilliant fall color  
Flower color: Small yellow flowers in spring
Fruit: Bright red berries in fall/winter (attract birds)
Form: Compact, rounded shrub
Life cycle: Deciduous shrub

Growing conditions
Sun: Full sun (best foliage color) to light shade
Soil: Well-drained; tolerant of a range of soils
Water: Moderate; drought tolerant once established
Hardiness:



Zone Low: 4a



Zone High: 8b



Landscape use
Low borders and edging
Rock and cottage gardens
Containers and accent plantings
Groundcover or low hedging

Notes


Strong multi-season interest: foliage color in spring/summer, bright berries in fall/winter.



Very compact — excellent in small spaces or paired with dwarf perennials.



Sharp spines make it deer and rabbit resistant.



Branding / series information
Botanical name: Berberis thunbergii ‘Bagatelle’
Common name: Bagatelle Japanese Barberry
Group: Dwarf barberry cultivar
Market use: Ideal for low borders, edging, specimen accents, and compact landscape designs

Note: Berberis thunbergii species is regarded as invasive in some regions and restricted or phased out of sale in certain US states — check local guidelines before planting. 

Plant type

Deciduous Shrub

Height

10"-12"

Width

12"-16"

Hardiness zones

4–8

Sunlight

Full Sun

Growth rate

Moderate

Bloom time

Late Spring, Spring

Flower color

Yellow

Leaf color

Dark Red, Purple

Fall color

Crimson, Dark Red, Orange, Purple

Fruit color

Dark Red, Red

Soil

Clay, Moist well-drained, Sandy well-drained

Landscape use

Foundation, Groundcover, Mass Planting

Shape

Rounded

Bark

Smooth

Drought tolerant

No