Purple Berberis (berberis thunbergii atropurpurea)

• Compact deciduous shrub (1–2m tall and wide) with striking Deep Purple-red foliage that holds colour through summer and turns vivid scarlet in autumn.
• Excellent for low-maintenance hedging – dense, thorny growth provides security, privacy, and stock-proof barriers; responds well to clipping.
• Small yellow flowers in spring attract pollinators; bright red berries in autumn/winter feed birds (e.g., thrushes).
• Highly hardy, tolerant of most soils (including poor, chalky, or clay), urban pollution, coastal exposure, and full sun to partial shade.
• Versatile ornamental: borders, containers, mixed hedges, or colour contrast planting; low pest/disease issues.

Planting Guide

• Best time: Bare-root November–March (dormant season); container-grown anytime, ideally autumn or spring.
• Location: Full sun for deepest purple colour (partial shade tolerated but foliage may green up); well-drained soil (tolerates dry/poor once established); sheltered or exposed sites; space 30–60cm apart for hedges.
• Preparation: Dig hole twice root width; add organic matter to very poor soils; no heavy feeding needed.
• Planting: Set at original depth (check soil mark on stem); firm in, water thoroughly, mulch base (keep clear of stems) to control weeds.
• Aftercare: Water well first year in dry spells; prune hedges after flowering (late spring/early summer) or in winter; minimal care required; protect young plants from rabbits.