Berberis thunbergii 'Atropurpurea Nana', the dwarf purple Japanese barberry, is an ornamental selection valued for its purple foliage and compact shape.

Characteristics
A small deciduous shrub reaching about 0.5-1 m in height and width, compact and rounded, with thorny, well branched stems forming a dense bush. The small oval leaves emerge bright red in spring, deepen to dark purple in summer and take on red-orange tones in autumn before falling. Small cup shaped yellow flowers open along the stems in spring, followed by bright red berries that persist into winter.

Growing and care
Full sun keeps the colour intense, in any well drained soil; very hardy, drought tolerant and undemanding. Prune in late winter to keep it tidy; it also tolerates clipping.

Uses
Low hedges and edging, colour accents in mixed borders, rock gardens, mass plantings on banks and containers; the thorny growth makes it a good barrier at path edges.