Berberis thunbergii atropurpurea
Overall Description
A
widely used shrub for hedges, accents, and borders. Foliage has a
purplish / red shade to it, along with a nice deep green base color.
Very, very prickly thorny "barbs" are present on all the branches,
which makes this plant a great natural barrier. Can be trimmed / pruned
to maintain virtually any desirable shape and size. Very hardy shrub -
can withstand a wide range of soils & conditions. Has been an
extremely popular shrub selection for years & years with no sign of
slowing up in popularity.
Plant Facts & Specifications
Mature Height: 3-6 ft
Mature Width: 4-6 ft
Growth rate: Moderate ( 6"-8" avg per yr )
Hardiness Zones: 4-9 ( if unsure of your zone, please use zone finder below )
Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade - best growth rate & color in sunny spots. Loses it's red intensity in shadier locations.
Soil Preference: Average, slightly moist - well drained. Will adapt to a wider variety of soils than most Barberry.
Foliage Color & Texture: Small
rounded
leaves with dark red / burgundy color in sunny locations. Fall color is bright
orange / red.
Branches are generously covered in very sharp, spiny barbs. Newer growth is especially bright red, maturing to a darker burgundy color.
Flower, Cone, Or Berry Facts: Small
white flowers can be observed in little clusters beginning in early
April, and lasting well through the end of May. Exact flowering time
will vary, depending on your area of the country - the warmer your
climate, the earlier you will see them. Small 1/4" long bright red,
oval shaped seed pods can be easily seen on Red Barberry in
late fall, after the leaves have dropped. Each bright red seed pod has
one seed in it, and will remain on the shrub throughout the
winter....giving it a very nice winter appearance as well.
Diseases / Insects: Usually
barberries have little or no trouble at all under normal landscape
conditions, but some of the possible noted pests / diseases that could
be encountered are: Bacterial leaf spot, anthracnose, root rots, rusts
(Japanese Barberry is not susceptible), wilt, barberry aphid, barberry
webworm, and possibly scale.
Fertilization / Feeding: Either
water
soluble ( Miracle Gro, or equivalent ), or granular all purpose tree
& shrub fertilizer is recommended for regular maintenance type
feedings. Other granular types with 6-12-12, or 10-10-10 ratio is
acceptable. Best to begin a regular scheduled feeding / fertilizing
schedule in very early spring ( upon discovering new bud break ), and
to continue regular weekly feedings through the entire spring season,
up until early summer -
avoid feeding during hot summer months, and directly after
transplanting. Another shorter feeding schedule can be resumed again in
very late summer through mid fall if desired to give the plants another
quick burst of nutrition, but usually not necessary. 
