Berberis thunbergii 'Crimson Pygmy'
Japanese barberry 'Atropurpurea Nana'
A deciduous, dwarf shrub to 45cm in height, compact and bushy in habit, with spiny stems bearing purplish-red leaves, becoming brighter red in autumn. Spring flowers are small and pale yellow, followed by deep red berries in autumn
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Yellow | Purple Red | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Purple Red | |||
| Autumn | Purple Red | Red | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or East–facing or South–facing or North–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Berberidaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- Potentially harmful
- Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets: Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
- Genus
Berberis can be deciduous or evergreen shrubs with spiny shoots bearing simple, often spine-toothed leaves, and small yellow or orange flowers in axillary clusters or racemes, followed by small berries
- Name status
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Tolerant of a range of soils and locations, but grows best in any well drained soil in full sun or partial shade, though flowering and fruiting are best in full sun. See berberis cultivation for further advice
Propagation
Propagate by softwood cuttings or semi-hardwood cuttings in summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Coastal
- Cottage and informal garden
- City and courtyard gardens
- Patio and container plants
- Wildlife gardens
- Hedging and screens
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Pruning group 2; trim hedges after flowering
Pests
May be susceptible to aphids and berberis sawfly
Diseases
May be susceptible to powdery mildews and sometimes by honey fungus
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.