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BERBERIS thunbergii atropurpurea
Commonly known as Japanese barberry, Purple-leafed barberry
Best purple foliage berberis
Further Reading....
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DeciduousColourful foliage, dark red-purple or purplish-bronze, turning red in autumn.
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YellowRed-tinted, yellow flowers in mid-spring.
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Height1m (3ft)
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Spread2.5m (8ft)
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HedgeIdeal for hedging
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Medium shrubTypically grow to around 4-6 feet in heightDense, rounded shrub.
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Very hardyHardy in the severest continental climates including exposed upland locations in the UK. Plant can withstand temperatures < -20 (-4°F)
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Full sun
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Partial shade
BERBERIS thunbergii atropurpurea
- Details
- Mature Size
- Tips and Advice
- Goes Well With
- Planting Combinations
- Other Suggestions
- See Also...
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Additional FeaturesBerriesThese plants have berries.Good to knowGood for an informal, thorny hedge.Pests & DiseasesAphids, powdery mildew.Place of originJapan
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Flower ShapeRacemes
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Garden Location/ConditionsCoastal / windswept
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HardinessFully hardy
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Leaf Colour (if not green)Purple
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Leaf marginEntire
(see photos above) -
Leaf shapeObovate
(see photos above) -
Pruning groupPruning group 2Suitable for: Deciduous shrubs and trees that flower in Spring or early Summer on previous year's growth, including plants that produce new growth at or near ground level.
Pruning: Prune flowered shoots to strong buds. Cut back approximately 1/4 of old shoots to the base to promote replacement growth.
When: Annually, after flowering.
RHS groups 2 & 3 -
Seasonal InterestAutumnSpringSummer
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Soil ConditionsTolerates allAny well-drained soil.
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WildlifeBee friendlyRabbit Resistant
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Berberis - Care Guide
Hedging - Box Alternatives
1m (3ft)
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2.5m (8ft) |

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Useful extras...

Fertilisers & Feeds - Vitax
Q4 Pelleted Fertiliser
A useful fertiliser suitable for use on a wide variety of plants. Q4 provides all the nutrients and trace elements essential for vigorous growth, abundant flowering and ripening of fruit.
3 options from £6.00

Fertilisers & Feeds - Empathy
Rootgrow mycorrhizal fungi
Recommended by the RHS. Contains Rootgrow™ mycorrhizal fungi. Suitable for all trees and shrubs (except rhododendrons, azaleas, heathers, cranberries and blueberries)
2 options from £6.00

Fertilisers & Feeds - Empathy
All-purpose Seaweed Stimulant
All-purpose organic concentrated seaweed feed that is a ready to use, derived from sustainable harvested kelp, that can be used on all outdoor and indoor plants, except acid loving plants.
Perfect used in conjunction with Rootgrow™.
Only £7.50