Berberis thunbergii atropurpurea

Also known as the Barberry, Berberis are attractive deciduous shrubs with spiney branches and small, oval leaves and are noted for their foliage colour.

Berberis thunbergia atropurpurea, the Japanese Barberry, is a handsome variety. It grows well in borders or pots and makes an excellent low-growing hedge. Thriving in a sunny or partially shaded location, it has dense, deep purple foliage and matching stems. The rich, dark colouring provides a wonderful contrast to the green shades of surrounding plants and it will make their flowers stand out to stunning effect.

Recommended by the RHS as a 'Plant for Pollinators', during March and April, small bright yellow flowers emerge, attracting bees and butterflies. These are followed in late summer by glossy, bright red berries that are a rich source of food for birds. In autumn the foliage turns to intense bright red before falling.

Berberis atropurpurea in completely hardy, drought tolerant and easy to grow and care for. Although it doesn’t require much pruning, it can be trimmed after flowering in spring. It will also respond well to being clipped to shape for hedging or topiary.

Supplied as an established plant in a 2 L pot, ready for planting, reaching a height and spread of 1.2 m (4ft).