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Red Leaf Japanese Barberry

Berberis thunbergii f. atropurpurea

Category: Deciduous Shrub • Barberry

Discover the Red Leaf Japanese Barberry, a stunning plant with purple foliage perfect for borders and mass plantings.

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Mature Height: 1 feet
Mature Width: 2-3 feet
Bloom Color: Yellow
Bloom Time: Spring
Light: Sun
Zone: Zones 4-8
Maintenance: Low
Growth Rate: Moderate
Season of Interest: Multi-season
Foliage: Deciduous

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Bold Outdoors Verified Insight

Designed & Reviewed by

Josh Graber

Owner and Landscape Designer · Kansas State University · 25+ Years Experience

B.S. in Horticulture and Landscape Design – Kansas State University

25+ years of industry experience

Description

Japanese Barberry is a small deciduous shrub that grows up to 1 meter tall and 2.5 meters wide. It features green foliage that transforms to red in fall, along with bright red berries and pale yellow flowers in spring. This plant is native to Japan and eastern Asia but has become invasive in various regions, affecting local biodiversity.

Ideal Conditions

Thrives in full sun to partial shade. Prefers well-drained soil and is drought tolerant once established.

Soil Preferences

Well-drained soil is ideal; adaptable to various soil types with a pH range from acidic to neutral.

Sun Needs

Sun

Landscape Guidance

Landscape Use

bordermass plantingspecimen

Special Features

Attractive purple foliagethorny stems for security.

Wildlife Value

Provides habitat and food for birds.

Resistance / Tolerance

Drought tolerant.

Notes from Our Designer

Great for low-maintenance landscapes and can be used for naturalistic settings. Consider spacing for growth habit.

Maintenance Notes

Low

Complementary Plants

Plants That Pair Well in the Landscape

Selected using botanical relationships, growing conditions, color harmony, size, texture, season, and landscape use.

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Helpful Next Steps

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Red Leaf Japanese Barberry a good fit for Kansas City landscapes?

That depends on sun exposure, moisture, spacing, and how the plant will be used in the overall design.

How should homeowners use this plant information?

Use the plant profile as a planning tool for size, conditions, and visual role, then connect it to the broader landscape design plan.

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