The reddish-purple leaves, which are heavily marbled with pink and white, are perhaps the most striking feature of this deciduous shrub. It does however also produce small, red-tinted, pale yellow flowers in mid- to late spring and later in the year, glossy red berries. It makes a great specimen plant for a well-drained sunny border and should be clipped each year in autumn or winter to keep the colouring at its best.
How to care for Berberis thunbergii f. atropurpurea Harlequin:
Requires minimal pruning. Where pruning is required, cut back in autumn or winter, after the appearance of the autumn fruits.
Eventual height:
1.5m
Eventual spread:
1.2m
Position:
Full sun / light shade
Rate of growth:
Slow growing
Soil:
Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
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This shrub is deciduous so it will lose all its leaves in autumn, then fresh new foliage appears again each spring.
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Humans/Pets: Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten