Berberis thunbergii f. atropurpurea

Purpleleaf Japanese Barberry

Berberis thunbergii f. atropurpurea — commonly known as Purple Japanese Barberry — is a deciduous shrub valued for its deep purple to burgundy foliage, dense branching, and tough adaptability. It provides season-long color, small yellow spring flowers, and bright red berries that persist into winter.

Key features
Width / spread: 4–6 ft
Height: 4–6 ft
Foliage: Deep purple to burgundy; bright red fall color
Flower color: Yellow (spring, not showy)
Fruit: Red berries (fall–winter)
Form: Dense, rounded to arching shrub
Life cycle: Deciduous shrub

Growing conditions
Sun: Full sun (best foliage color) to light shade
Soil: Well-drained; highly adaptable to poor soils
Water: Low to moderate; drought tolerant once established
Hardiness:



Zone Low: 4a



Zone High: 8b



Landscape use
Hedges and screens
Foundation plantings
Mass plantings for color contrast
Barrier plantings (thorny stems)
Wildlife-friendly landscapes

Notes
Classic purple-leaved form from which many modern cultivars were developed
Spiny stems provide excellent deer and rabbit resistance
Very tolerant of pruning and shearing
Can be invasive in some regions—check local regulations before planting

Plant type

Deciduous Shrub

Height

4-6'

Width

4-6'

Hardiness zones

4–8

Sunlight

Full Sun

Growth rate

Moderate

Bloom time

Late Spring, Spring

Flower color

Yellow

Fall color

Red

Soil

Clay, Loamy well-drained, Sandy well-drained

Landscape use

Foundation Plant, Hedge, Mass Planting

Shape

Wide Spreading

Bark

Smooth

Deer resistant

Yes

Salt tolerant

Yes

Drought tolerant

Yes