| |
Berberis thunbergii atropurpureum, the Red leaf barberry
is, in nature, a small ornamental shrub reaching 3-6 feet
tall, but they are also making great bonsai subjects. It
is also used as a hedge, barrier or in groupings. It is
native to Japan.
Beautiful red, yellow and green foliage in Spring through
Summer. The spatulate leaves are deep red-burgundy in
full sun. The fall color is a brilliant crimson-red.
The trunk easily developed. Small spines occur along the
stems. Stems, branches, and roots are brittle and easily
broken when bent.
Flowers yellow, in late April and early May, in pendulous
clusters directly from the stems. Not showy from a
distance but attractive when viewed close-up. The red
ellipsoid small berry-like fruits are sparse to rare on
the cultivars, but often persist into the following
Spring when present, but are almost never dense enough to
be showy.
Hardiness zones 4-8, (-32°C/-25°F,-10°C/15°F) in
Winter. Grow in full sun to partial sun but not
performing as well in the humidity of hotter climates. It
prefers a moist, well-drained soil, but otherwise is
adaptable to poor soils, various soil pHs, soil
compaction, drought, and pollution. Red barberry has
moderate water requirements.
|
|
