Berberis thunbergii f. atropurpurea 'Bagatelle'

Bagatelle Barberry, Purpleleaf Japanese Barberry

Berberis thunbergii f. atropurpurea ‘Bagatelle’ — commonly known as Bagatelle Japanese Barberry — is a very compact, dwarf barberry valued for its deep burgundy to wine-red foliage and naturally dense, rounded habit. Its small size and rich color make it ideal for low borders, edging, and small-scale landscapes.

Small yellow flowers appear in spring, followed by bright red berries in fall that persist into winter and add seasonal interest.

Key features
Width / spread: 1–1.5 ft
Height: 1–1.5 ft
Foliage: Deep burgundy to reddish-purple; excellent color retention
Flower color: Yellow (spring, not showy)
Fruit: Red berries (fall–winter)
Form: Compact, dense, rounded mound
Life cycle: Deciduous shrub

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



Zone Low: 4a



Zone High: 8b



Landscape use
Low borders and edging
Rock and cottage gardens
Foundation plantings
Containers
Mass plantings for foliage contrast

Plant type

Deciduous Shrub, Flowering Shrub

Height

1-1.5'

Width

1.5-2'

Hardiness zones

4–8

Sunlight

Full Sun

Growth rate

Moderate

Bloom time

Late Spring, Spring

Flower color

Yellow

Fall color

Red

Soil

Loamy, Moist well-drained, Sandy well-drained

Landscape use

Foundation, Mass Planting

Shape

Low Mounding

Bark

Smooth

Fruit

Yes

Deer resistant

Yes

Salt tolerant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No