Also known as the Barberry, Berberis are attractive deciduous shrubs with spiney branches and small, oval leaves and are noted for their foliage colour. Berberis thunbergia atropurpurea, the Japanese Barberry, is a handsome variety. It grows well in borders or pots and makes an excellent low-growing hedge. Thriving in a sunny or partially shaded location, it has dense, deep purple foliage and matching stems. The rich, dark colouring provides a wonderful contrast to the green shades of surrounding plants and it will make their flowers stand out to stunning effect. Recommended by the RHS as a 'Plant for Pollinators', during March and April, small bright yellow flowers emerge, attracting bees and butterflies. These are followed in late summer by glossy, bright red berries that are a rich source of food for birds. In autumn the foliage turns to intense bright red before falling. Berberis atropurpurea in completely hardy, drought tolerant and easy to grow and care for. Although it doesn't require much pruning, it can be trimmed after flowering in spring. It will also respond well to being clipped to shape for hedging or topiary. Supplied as an established plant in a 2 L pot, ready for planting, reaching a height and spread of 1.2 m (4ft).
A spectacular addition to any garden design with it's deep reddish-purple leaves which turn a brilliant red-orange shades in the autumn. A vigorous grower;this deciduous shrub will be right at home in a garden border or container.
Description for Berberis thunbergii f. atropurpurea 'Red Rocket' not available
A gorgeous dwarf shrub, that is perfect for small gardens, Berberis thunbergii f. atropurpurea 'Admiration' has fiery, deep red foliage, with yellow edges on the leaves, and produces small pale green flowers in spring, followed later in the year by red berries. Japanese Barberry is suitable for both borders or planters, and is very low maintenance, once planted. The Royal Horticultural Society has awarded this plant its Award of Garden Merit. Best planted in full sun or partial shade. Height: and Spread: 60cm (24).
Planted in a line, Berberis thunbergii f. atropurpurea 'Dart's Red Lady' , makes an attractive and very manageable low hedge, that is ideal for front gardens. It can also be planted as a lone specimen shrub, within a garden border.
A very pretty ground cover plant, spring to autumn flowering Vinca minor ?Atropurpurea' provides weed-suppressing perennial evergreen foliage and rich purple flowers. Vinca minor, or Lesser Periwinkle is easier to confine than it's larger and more boisterous cousin, Vinca major so an alpine or rockery position could be considered. Vinca minor is a versatile specimen as it enjoys full sun but would also be happy in dark and shady corners of the garden where other plants would struggle . Height: 20cm (8) Spread: 50cm (19). Supplied in 9cm pot.
Description for Berberis thunbergii f. atropurpurea 'Harlequin' not available
An extremely versatile ornamental shrub that can be grown as an upright specimen plant or even trained as a hedge. Thanks to its prickly nature, it is the perfect choice for creating a secure property boundary. These plants require minimal maintenance or trimming and have an upright, columnar habit. Berberis 'Orange Rocket' is suitable for a range of soils and positions, especially difficult, exposed areas.
With reddish-purple foliage making a fine display in spring, this dwarf Berberis continues to delight through the seasons, as the leaves mature to fiery scarlet in autumn. It has small yellow flowers which attract pollinating insects, followed by berries to feed the birds. Compact deciduous Berberis 'Atropurpurea Nana' is easy to grow in any well-drained soil. It can also be grown as an interesting low hedge. Height and spread: 100cm (40).
Description for Ornamental Grasses Melica altissima atropurpurea not available