Overview

Berberis thunbergii 'Atropurp. Nana' is a deciduous shrub in the genus Berberis, part of the Berberidaceae family. It typically grows around 2.0 m tall. Berberis thunbergii 'Atropurp. Nana' grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include borders, hedges, rock gardens and foundation plantings. It is native to Japan.

About

Berberis thunbergii, the Japanese barberry, Thunberg's barberry, or red barberry, is a species of flowering plant in the barberry family Berberidaceae, native to Japan and eastern Asia, though widely naturalized in China and North America, where it has become a problematic invasive in many places, leading to declines in species diversity, increased tick habitat, and soil changes. Growing to 1 m tall by 2.5 m broad, it is a small deciduous shrub with green leaves turning red in the autumn, brilliant red fruits in autumn and pale yellow flowers in spring.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0Berberis thunbergii

About the genus

Berberis, commonly known as barberry, is a large genus of deciduous and evergreen shrubs from 1–5 m tall, found throughout temperate and subtropical regions of the world. Species diversity is greatest in South America and Asia, but native species also appear in Europe, Africa, and North America.

Wikipedia contributors, "Berberis", CC BY-SA 4.0Berberis

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Berberis

Sunlight
Full sun
Soil type
Sandy, Loamy, Clay
Soil moisture
Well-drained, Moist but well-drained
Exposure
Full sun to partial shade
UK hardiness
H7

Plant details

Berberis thunbergii 'Atropurp. Nana' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type
Deciduous shrub
Height
2.0 m
Suggested uses
Borders, hedges, rock gardens, foundation plantings
Native to
Japan
Toxicity
Toxic if ingested

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Berberis thunbergii 'Atropurp. Nana'

Cultivation
Prefers well-drained soil; tolerates a range of soil types; drought tolerant once established
Pruning
Prune in late winter or early spring to maintain shape and remove dead wood
Propagation
Softwood cuttings in summer, semi-hardwood cuttings, or by seed

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Berberis thunbergii 'Atropurp. Nana'?

Prefers well-drained soil; tolerates a range of soil types; drought tolerant once established.

Where is the best place to plant Berberis thunbergii 'Atropurp. Nana'?

Berberis thunbergii 'Atropurp. Nana' prefers full sun. It suits full sun to partial shade positions.

What soil does Berberis thunbergii 'Atropurp. Nana' need?

Berberis thunbergii 'Atropurp. Nana' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. Aim for soil that stays well-drained to moist but well-drained.

How do I prune Berberis thunbergii 'Atropurp. Nana'?

Prune in late winter or early spring to maintain shape and remove dead wood.

How big does Berberis thunbergii 'Atropurp. Nana' grow?

Berberis thunbergii 'Atropurp. Nana' reaches a height of 2.0 m.

Is Berberis thunbergii 'Atropurp. Nana' hardy in the UK?

Berberis thunbergii 'Atropurp. Nana' has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.

How do I propagate Berberis thunbergii 'Atropurp. Nana'?

Softwood cuttings in summer, semi-hardwood cuttings, or by seed.

Is Berberis thunbergii 'Atropurp. Nana' toxic?

Toxic if ingested.

More in the Berberis genus

Browse all Berberis