Purple (Red) Leafed Japanese Barberry

The atropurpurea form of Japanese barberry is a deciduous, thorny shrub grown for red-purple to purple foliage. Small yellow flowers appear in spring, followed by ornamental red berries. ## Garden Use Use barberry as a mixed-border shrub or informal barrier, placing it where its spiny branches will not catch people passing by. Foliage color and mature shape vary among selections within this botanical form. ## Light and Soil Full sun brings out stronger foliage color, while partial shade is also suitable for many plants. Use well-drained soil and avoid persistently wet sites. Water new plantings regularly as they establish. ## Seasonal Color Leaves range from red-purple to deeper purple, with color changes through autumn. The group-level description here does not identify a named cultivar, so individual flower and size traits can differ. ## Maintenance Remove damaged branches or shape lightly as needed. Wear gloves when pruning. Red berries are ornamental and should not be eaten. [University of Illinois Extension](https://web.extension.illinois.edu/hortanswers/plantdetail.cfm?PlantID=324&PlantTypeID=8)