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.
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).
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).
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.
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.
Description for Berberis thunbergii f. atropurpurea 'Red Rocket' not available
Large, mauve to white flowers above very prickly, dark green foliage with attractive looking cobwebs draped over the leaves adding to its character. Makes an excellent architectural border plant. Height: 45-60cm (18-24in)
Clematis 'Purpurea Plena Elegans' is a Clematis created at the start of the 20th Century, and has unusual sepals compared to most other Clematis. The flowerheads are ornate and showy, and red-purple in colour. It flowers from mid summer until early autumn and is a nice addition to any type of garden. Best planted in a sunny position, either trained up a wall or fence, or in an obelisk planter on patios or decking. Height: 3m (10'). Spread: 1.5m (5'). Pruning group: 3.
Well known for its use in herbal medicine, the large purple daisy like flowers of this hardy perennial, provide a wonderful display in late summer. The weather resistant blooms of the coneflower make an attractive cut flower.
Colourful deep pink flowers with contrasting orange cones are displayed above bushy plants. Highly attractive to butterflies. Ideal in full sun borders. Height: 120cm (47). Spread: 60cm (24).