Overview
Berberis thunbergii 'Atropurpurea Nana' is a deciduous shrub in the genus Berberis, part of the Berberidaceae family. It typically grows around 2.0 m tall and 2.5 metres wide. Berberis thunbergii 'Atropurpurea Nana' grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include borders, rock gardens and foundation plantings. It is native to Japan.
About
Berberis thunbergii 'Atropurpurea Nana' is a compact deciduous shrub notable for its purple foliage. It typically reaches about 2.0 m tall with a 2.5 metre spread. Flowering is April to May, producing pale yellow blooms. Plant in full sun on sandy, loamy or clay soils that are well drained or moist but well-drained.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Berberis 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 4.0 — Berberis
In the garden
Berberis thunbergii 'Atropurpurea Nana' belongs to the Berberidaceae and originates from Japan. As a deciduous shrub with purple leaves it provides a clear-coloured contrast in mixed plantings while remaining relatively compact for its genus. Sit the shrub in full sun to maintain best leaf colour; it tolerates a wide range of soils — sandy, loamy or clay — provided they are well drained or at least moist but well-drained. It carries a UK hardiness rating of H7 (fully hardy) and corresponds roughly to USDA zones 4–8, so it will withstand typical UK winters without special protection. Allow roughly 2.5 metres between plants if sowing multiple specimens or planting in a line. Use 'Atropurpurea Nana' at the front of a mixed border, in rock garden pockets where a splash of dark foliage helps define shape, or as a foundation planting where its form and colour set off paler-leaved neighbours. Flowers appear April to May; allow its 2.0 m height and 2.5 m spread to guide placement rather than frequent hard pruning.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Berberis
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Sandy, Loamy, Clay
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained, Moist but well-drained
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Berberis thunbergii 'Atropurpurea Nana' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Deciduous shrub
- Height
- 2.0 m
- Spread
- 2.5 metres
- Suggested uses
- Borders, rock gardens, foundation plantings
- Native to
- Japan
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Berberis thunbergii 'Atropurpurea Nana'
- Cultivation
- Prefers full sun to partial shade; tolerates a range of soils but thrives in well-drained soil; drought tolerant once established
- Pruning
- Prune in late winter or early spring to maintain shape and remove dead or damaged branches
- Propagation
- Propagation by semi-hardwood cuttings in summer or by seed
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Berberis thunbergii 'Atropurpurea Nana'?
Prefers full sun to partial shade; tolerates a range of soils but thrives in well-drained soil; drought tolerant once established.
Where is the best place to plant Berberis thunbergii 'Atropurpurea Nana'?
Berberis thunbergii 'Atropurpurea Nana' prefers full sun.
What soil does Berberis thunbergii 'Atropurpurea Nana' need?
Berberis thunbergii 'Atropurpurea 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 'Atropurpurea Nana'?
Prune in late winter or early spring to maintain shape and remove dead or damaged branches.
How big does Berberis thunbergii 'Atropurpurea Nana' grow?
Berberis thunbergii 'Atropurpurea Nana' reaches a height of 2.0 m and a spread of 2.5 metres.
Is Berberis thunbergii 'Atropurpurea Nana' hardy in the UK?
Berberis thunbergii 'Atropurpurea 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 'Atropurpurea Nana'?
Propagation by semi-hardwood cuttings in summer or by seed.
