Position

Sun exposure:
Dappled shade, full sun, partial shade
Aspect:
South facing, west facing
Position in border:
Middle

Soil

Acidic / Chalky / Alkaline / Clay / Heavy / Moist / Well Drained / Light / Sandy

Berberis thunbergii f. atropurpurea is one of the least demanding and easy to grow of the deciduous barberries. A good shrub for year-round interest, it boasts dark red-purple leaves, which contrast with small, red-tinted, pale-yellow flowers in mid-spring. In autumn the leaves turn a brilliant shade of red before falling.

Grow Berberis thunbergii f. atropurpurea in moist but well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade. Prune straggly stems in autumn.

Plant calendar

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Plantyesyesyesyes
Flowersyesyesyes
Fruitsyesyesyes
Take cuttingsyesyes
Pruneyes

Berberis and wildlife

Berberis is known for attracting bees and birds. It has nectar/pollen rich flowers, provides shelter and habitat and has seeds for birds.

Is known to attract Bees
Bees
Is not known to attract Beneficial insects
Beneficial insects
Is known to attract Birds
Birds
Is not known to attract Butterflies/​Moths
Butterflies/​Moths
Is not known to attract Other pollinators
Other pollinators

Is Berberis poisonous?

Berberis has no toxic effects reported.

No reported toxicity to:
Is not known to attract Birds
Birds
Is not known to attract Cats
Cats
Is not known to attract Dogs
Dogs
Is not known to attract Horses
Horses
Is not known to attract Livestock
Livestock
Is not known to attract People
People
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