WSU Clark County Extension
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Crimson Pygmy Japanese Barberry

Scientific name: Berberis thunbergii 'Atropurpurea Nana'
Taxonomy
Family:Berberidaceae
Type:Deciduous shrubs
Native:NO
Plant Requirements
Zone:4 to 8
Sun:Full to partial sun
Moisture:Medium
Plant Characteristics
Height:3 ft
Width:4 ft
Bloom:Spring flowers
Bloom Time:April
Bloom Color:Yellow
Additional Characteristics
Trees


Fruit

Leaves


Bark
Wildlife value

Poisonous
Description The ‘Crimson Pygmy’ cultivar of Japanese barberry is commonly sold in the ornamental nursery trade for its beautiful burgundy summer and fall foliage.

  Morphology:
A dwarf, densely branched deciduous barberry variant that only grows 2’-3’ tall and 3’ to 4’ wide. It displays deep crimson colored foliage all season long. The leaves are arranged alternately on the thin stems. Leaves are only .5 “long but are clustered thickly. If grown in the shade the leaves will not attain their deepest red color. Bright yellow and waxy-like flowers appear in April, hanging beneath the foliage. Sharp spines form in the axils of the leaves. No fruit are produced on this cultivar.

  Adaptation:
This species does best in full sun to light shade and can be grown on a range of soil types other than those that are wet. It is often used in foundation plantings as well as a barrier planting as it features sharp thorns.

  Pests:
None reported.
For assistance, contact Dr. Charles Brun (brunc@wsu.edu), (360) 397-6060 5701
Computing and Web Resources, PO Box 6234, Washington State University, Pullman WA 99164-6234