Japanese Barberry (Berberis Thunbergii F. Atropurpurea ‘Atropurpurea Nana’)

Japanese Barberry

Features and Characteristics

Berberis thunbergii, commonly called Japanese barberry, is a spiny, broad-rounded, deciduous shrub with obovate green leaves. It typically matures to 5′ tall and as wide. Leaves (variably sized to 1 1/4” long) typically turn attractive shades of orange, yellow and red in fall.

Forma atropurpurea have red to purple-red foliage.

Genus name comes from the Latinized form of the Arabian name for the fruit.

Specific epithet honors Swedish botanist Carl Peter Thunberg (1743-182- who reportedly identified this species in Japan in 178

‘Atropurpurea Nana’ is a dwarf, dense, deciduous cultivar which grows only to 5′-2′ tall. One of the most popular of the many barberries in cultivation. Reddish to purplish leaves are of variable sizes (.50″ to 25″ long). Many branched, reddish-brown stems have sharp thorns. Tiny, yellowish flowers appear in late April to early May, but are often hidden by the foliage and are not considered showy. Bright red berries form in fall and often last through the winter. The berries are attractive to birds.

Care and Maintenance

Easily grown in average, dry to medium, well-drained soil in full sun. Tolerates part shade, but performs best with full sun. This is a very adaptable shrub that is tolerant of urban conditions. Plants also tolerates heat and drought, but are generally intolerant of poorly-drained, wet soils. Plants spread slowly by creeping roots. Plants can also spread by self-seeding (birds will eat the fruits and distribute the seed). Plant branches may root where they touch the ground. This species is considered to be somewhat invasive in some areas (particularly in eastern North America).

Japanese Barberry (Berberis Thunbergii F. Atropurpurea ‘Atropurpurea Nana’) Requirements

Hardiness zone	4 - 8
Sun light	Full Sun
Water	Dry To Medium
Maintenance	Low

Common Problems

No serious problems. Some susceptibility to bacterial leaf spot, anthracnose, root rots, wilt, aphids, barberry webworm and scale. Spiny stems often trap unsightly wind-blown trash.

Uses

Japanese barberry forms an excellent barrier or hedge. It is also effective when planted in groups or as a specimen.

Small size facilitates use in the rock garden.

Japanese Barberry (Berberis Thunbergii F. Atropurpurea ‘Atropurpurea Nana’) Details

Common name	Japanese Barberry
Botanical name	Berberis Thunbergii F. Atropurpurea 'Atropurpurea Nana'
Plant type	Deciduous Shrub
Family	Berberidaceae
Hardiness zone	4 - 8
Water	Dry To Medium
Maintenance	Low
Flower color	Yellow
Flowering period	April
Height	1.50 To 2 Ft.
Width	2.50 To 3 Ft.