Red Japanese barberry (Berberis thunbergii f. atropurpurea) BER-ber-iss thun-BER-jee-eye forma at-tro-per-per-EE-ah Genus:  Berberis Red Japanese barberry is a deciduous shrub with multi-season interest. Most striking are the deep reddish purple inch-long leaves. In spring, scented yellow flowers appear on arching stems. This barberry is an excellent hedge pland, and it also looks good in the middle to rear of beds and borders. Watch out for the brittle, three-pronged thorns. -Gerald Gibbens, Regional Picks: Northwest, Fine Gardening issue#120 Noteworthy Characteristics:  Reddish purple leaves; fragrant flowers; thorny stems. Japanese barberry is listed as an invasive plant for much of the U.S. Care:  Provide full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Each year, before new growth appears, prune on the oldest stems to maintain the plant's proportions. Beware of the thorns. Problems:  Nothing serious.

Overview

Height 6 ft. to 10 ft. Spread 3 ft. to 6 ft. Growth Pace Invasive/Aggressive Grower Light Full Sun to Part Shade Moisture Dry to Medium Maintenance Low Characteristics Attracts Song Birds, Fragrant Flowers, Showy Foliage Bloom Time Early Spring, Late Spring, Spring Flower Color Yellow Foliage Color Colorful/Burgundy Foliage Uses Beds and Borders, Hedge Seasonal Interest Spring Interest Type Shrubs