Berberis thunbergii var. atropurpurea 'Crimson Pygmy'
Red Dwarf Japanese Barberry

Also known as: Berberis thunbergii var. atropurpurea 'Nana'

This plant is considered invasive.

Family:

Berberidaceae (Barberry Family) 8

Genus:

Berberis (Barberry Japanese Barberry) 5

Plant Type:

Shrub 468

Growth Forms:

Bushy 187

Hardiness:

USDA Zone 4 520

Deciduous / Evergreen:

Deciduous 839

Flower Notes:

Yellow (Small yellow flowers bloom in April)

Foliage Notes:

Red-Violet (Deep red to purple spring/summer coloration); Red (Bright red fall foliage)

Stem Notes:

Red/Brown stems with thorns

Fruit Notes:

Red (Bright to dark red, glossy 0.33" dia. berries appear late (October) and persist into winter; variable fruit set that can be showy)

Ultimate Height:

1-2 feet

Ultimate Spread:

2-3 feet

Bloom Times:

April 198

Fruiting Times:

Light Requirements:

Soil Notes:

Prefers well-drained, drier soils

Range:

Cultivated origin

Maintenance:

Low 274

Diagnostic Characteristics:

The red-purple leaves are alternate, simple, 0.5-1.25" in length and width, and spatulate, narrowing closer to the petiole. Leaves grow in clusters. Single spine at nodes. Small yellow flowers with purple tint are 0.5" in diameter. Small red berries appear at 0.25" in diameter.

Ecological Functions:

Purdue Plant Doctor

Parts and Problems of Barberry

Special Characteristics:

Pollution Tolerant 217

Tolerant of Poor Site Conditions 187

Indiana Prohibited Sale 19

Additional Information

The Red Dwarf Japanese Barberry is exceedingly popular due to its dense, low growing form, brilliant foliage, and tolerance to tough urban conditions. For the best leaf coloration, place in full sun. This plant tolerates dry soils, but will suffer in wet, poorly drained soils.

Plant Photo Gallery

Flowers

Leaves

Stem

Bark

Bark & Buds

Buds & Fruit

Winter Habit

Habit

When Berberis thunbergii var. atropurpurea 'Crimson Pygmy' has been observed flowering or fruiting at Purdue University

Flowering

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Fruiting

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1 Berberis thunbergii var. atropurpurea 'Crimson Pygmy' found

Building Map...

= Heritage plant = Memorial plant

Number	Accession ID	Location
1	2018_01093*A	HORT

Other plants like this Berberis thunbergii var. atropurpurea 'Crimson Pygmy' (Red Dwarf Japanese Barberry)

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