Purple Japanese Barberry 'Atropurpurea Nana'

This dwarf deciduous shrub is a stellar choice for a colourful, low-maintenance, and defensive hedge. 'Atropurpurea Nana' forms a dense, compact mound of thorny stems, making it an excellent deterrent for unwanted visitors or pets at the garden edge. The leaves are a deep, saturated purple through the summer, turning brilliant shades of fiery red and orange in autumn before dropping. Tiny yellow flowers appear in spring, followed by bright red berries in autumn that remain after the leaves have fallen, providing food for birds. It is extremely hardy (H7) and copes well with exposed, windy sites throughout the UK. It prefers a sunny spot to maintain the richest leaf colour, though it will tolerate light shade. It requires very little pruning, usually only needing a quick tidy in winter to maintain its neat, hummocky silhouette. Typically reaches 60cm in height.

Sun: Full sun.

Soil: Well-drained, moist but well-drained.

Hardiness: H7 — below −20°C.

Flowering: Apr, May.