Berberis thunbergii f. atropurpurea 'Royal Burgundy'

Purpleleaf Japanese Barberry, Royal Burgundy Barberry

Barberry ‘Royal Burgundy’ (Berberis thunbergii ‘Royal Burgundy’*) is a compact, deciduous Japanese barberry valued for its rich, deep burgundy-purple foliage and dense, rounded habit. The foliage color holds well through summer and deepens in fall, giving reliable season-long contrast in borders and foundations.

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

Key features
Width / spread: 2–3 ft
Height: 2–3 ft
Foliage: Deep burgundy-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 color) to light shade
Soil: Well-drained; adaptable to many soil types
Water: Low to moderate; drought tolerant once established
Hardiness:



Zone Low: 4a



Zone High: 8b



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

Notes
Maintains a tighter habit than older purple barberries
Color is comparable to ‘Concorde’ but with a slightly fuller mound
Spiny stems provide natural deer resistance
Minimal pruning required
Check local regulations, as Japanese barberry is restricted in some regi

Plant type

Deciduous Shrub

Height

2'-3'

Width

2-3'

Hardiness zones

4–8

Sunlight

Full Sun

Growth rate

Slow

Bloom time

Late Spring, Spring

Flower color

Yellow

Fall color

Crimson, Orange

Soil

Loamy

Landscape use

Accent Plant, Mass Planting

Bark

Smooth

Fruit

Yes

Deer resistant

Yes

Salt tolerant

Yes

Drought tolerant

Yes