Red-Pink Barberry

‘Rose Glow’ is a deciduous Japanese barberry prized for foliage that changes through the seasons. New leaves emerge rose-pink with deeper red-purple markings, then mature to reddish purple; fall color ranges from orange-red to reddish purple. ## Foliage and form [Oregon State University](https://landscapeplants.oregonstate.edu/plants/berberis-thunbergii-var-atropurpurea-rose-glow) describes a dense, upright shrub about 4–5 feet tall. [Colorado State University](https://www.csu.org/water-wise-plants/rose-glow-japanese-barberry?hsLang=en) reports a similar height and a 3–5 foot spread. ## Flowers and seasonal interest Small pale-yellow flowers appear in late spring to early summer, mostly hidden beneath the foliage. Red berries may remain after the leaves fall. The shrub’s color is strongest in full sun or light shade. ## Siting Choose well-drained soil and allow clearance around thorny stems. Oregon State lists the cultivar hardy to USDA zone 4; Colorado State gives zones 4–8. ## Maintenance Water during establishment and extended dry weather. Colorado State notes that the plant usually needs little pruning; remove dead or damaged branches and shape selectively if needed.