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Purple Compact Barberry Hedge (Berberis thunbergii atropurpurea)

Berberis thunbergii ‘Atropurpurea’, commonly known as Purple Berberis, is a compact deciduous shrub prized for its rich purple foliage, prickly stems and seasonal interest. It is an excellent choice for creating a purple barberry hedge where you want an attractive alternative to traditional green hedging.

Medium Growth Rate
Yellow Flowers
Deciduous
Berries
Plant Guarantee

Planting Conditions: Suitable for normal, chalk and clay soils; thrives in full sun to partial shade and suits inland, exposed and coastal sites.
Growth Rate: Slow growing, with an expected growth of approximately 10–15cm per year.
Height: Easily maintained at approximately 0.5–1.5m, making it ideal for low hedging.
Bare Root Plants: Supplied dormant during winter. Images show a single bare-root plant and a bundle for comparison. 1 x bare root = 1 plant, unless listed as a multibuy.
12-Month Plant Guarantee: All plants are covered by our 12-month guarantee, so you can purchase with confidence.

Select Root Type:

Select Size & Quantity

Height cm	Price inc VAT	Planting Density
Purple Compact Barberry Pot Grown 2L 20/40cm	Regular price £6.00 Sale price £6.00 Regular price Unit price per	7 per metre
Purple Compact Barberry Pot Grown 2L 40/60cm	Regular price £6.36 Sale price £6.36 Regular price Unit price per	6 to 7 per metre
Purple Compact Barberry Pot Grown 2L 60/80cm	Regular price £10.58 Sale price £10.58 Regular price Unit price per	5 to 6 per metre
Purple Compact Barberry Pot Grown 5L 20/40cm	Regular price £10.84 Sale price £10.84 Regular price Unit price per	7 per metre
Purple Compact Barberry Pot Grown 5L 40/60cm	Regular price £15.13 Sale price £15.13 Regular price Unit price per	6 to 7 per metre
Purple Compact Barberry Pot Grown 5L 60/80cm	Regular price £16.34 Sale price £16.34 Regular price Unit price per	5 to 6 per metre
Purple Compact Barberry Pot Grown 5L 80/100cm	Regular price £17.85 Sale price £17.85 Regular price Unit price per	5 per metre
Purple Compact Barberry Pot Grown 7.5L 40/60cm	Regular price £19.06 Sale price £19.06 Regular price Unit price per	6 to 7 per metre
Purple Compact Barberry Pot Grown 7.5L 60/80cm	Regular price £19.96 Sale price £19.96 Regular price Unit price per	5 to 6 per metre
Purple Compact Barberry Pot Grown 10L 60/80cm	Regular price £39.33 Sale price £39.33 Regular price Unit price per	5 to 6 per metre

Height cm	Price inc VAT	Planting Density
Purple Compact Barberry Pot Grown 2L 20/40cm (x50) Multi-deal	Regular price £270.00 Sale price £270.00 Regular price Unit price per	7 per metre
Purple Compact Barberry Pot Grown 2L 40/60cm (x50) Multi-deal	Regular price £286.20 Sale price £286.20 Regular price Unit price per	6 to 7 per metre
Purple Compact Barberry Pot Grown 2L 60/80cm (x50) Multi-deal	Regular price £476.10 Sale price £476.10 Regular price Unit price per	5 to 6 per metre
Purple Compact Barberry Pot Grown 5L 20/40cm (x40) Multi-deal	Regular price £390.24 Sale price £390.24 Regular price Unit price per	7 per metre
Purple Compact Barberry Pot Grown 5L 40/60cm (x40) Multi-deal	Regular price £544.68 Sale price £544.68 Regular price Unit price per	6 to 7 per metre
Purple Compact Barberry Pot Grown 5L 60/80cm (x40) Multi-deal	Regular price £588.24 Sale price £588.24 Regular price Unit price per	5 to 6 per metre
Purple Compact Barberry Pot Grown 5L 80/100cm (x40) Multi-deal	Regular price £642.60 Sale price £642.60 Regular price Unit price per	5 per metre
Purple Compact Barberry Pot Grown 7.5L 40/60cm (x28) Multi-deal	Regular price £480.31 Sale price £480.31 Regular price Unit price per	6 to 7 per metre
Purple Compact Barberry Pot Grown 7.5L 60/80cm (x28) Multi-deal	Regular price £502.99 Sale price £502.99 Regular price Unit price per	5 to 6 per metre
Purple Compact Barberry Pot Grown 10L 60/80cm (x14) Multi-deal	Regular price £495.56 Sale price £495.56 Regular price Unit price per	5 to 6 per metre

Purple Compact Barberry Hedge Plant Description

Purple Berberis is a versatile option for UK gardens and can add contrast when planted alongside green or lighter-coloured shrubs. It can also be considered as an alternative to Box (Buxus sempervirens), particularly in gardens where Box blight is a concern.

Pot-grown plants are available throughout the year, while bare-root plants are generally available from November to late April or early May, depending on seasonal conditions.

Bare-root plants are supplied in their natural winter dormancy. If ordering 1 x bare-root plant, you will receive one individual plant rather than a bundle unless the product is specifically offered as a multibuy.

All plants are covered by our 12-month plant guarantee, subject to the applicable terms and conditions.

Pruning Advice

Pruning your Purple Compact Barberry Hedge helps maintain its shape, manage its size and encourage a well-structured appearance.

The recommended time to trim Berberis thunbergii is immediately after flowering. Light, regular pruning can be used to maintain a neat low hedge, while less frequent trimming allows the plant to develop a more informal appearance.

Because Berberis has prickly stems, always wear suitable gardening gloves and protective clothing when pruning. Remove damaged or unwanted growth and shape the plant gradually rather than removing excessive growth in a single session.

For newly planted hedging, allow the plants sufficient time to establish before carrying out heavy pruning.

Further Information

The recommended spacing for your purple barberry hedge depends on the plant size, root type and the density you want to achieve.

As a general guide:

Bare-root plants: Allow approximately 3-7 plants per metre.
Cell-grown plants: Allow approximately 4-6 plants per metre.
Denser hedging: Consider a double staggered row or zig-zag planting arrangement.

These figures are intended as general guidance. For the most suitable spacing, refer to the planting recommendations shown in the product grid for your chosen plant size and root type.
Planting density can influence how quickly a hedge develops a fuller appearance. A closer planting arrangement can provide greater coverage, while wider spacing allows individual plants more room as they establish.

Berberis thunbergii ‘Atropurpurea’ is adaptable to a range of UK growing conditions and can tolerate normal, chalk and clay soils. It can also cope with exposed and coastal locations. Choose a position in full sun or partial shade and provide appropriate care while the plants establish.

For gardeners looking for alternative colourful hedging, other Berberis varieties can provide different foliage colours and growth habits. You can also explore our wider range of hedging plants for evergreen, flowering and berry-producing options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Purple Berberis suitable for a low hedge?
Yes. Its compact growth habit and manageable height make it well suited to low hedging, garden boundaries and defined planting areas.

What colour are the leaves of Berberis thunbergii ‘Atropurpurea’?
The foliage is characteristically dark purple, providing a strong contrast against green foliage and other garden plants.

When does Purple Berberis flower?
Purple Berberis produces its small yellow flowers during spring. These are followed by berries later in the year.

Are Purple Barberry plants suitable for exposed gardens?
Yes. This variety can tolerate exposed and coastal locations, making it suitable for a range of UK garden environments.

Can I grow Purple Berberis in clay soil?
Yes. Berberis thunbergii ‘Atropurpurea’ can grow in clay soil as well as normal and chalk soils, provided the planting conditions are suitable.

Is Purple Berberis suitable for planting around a garden boundary?
Yes. Its prickly stems make it an interesting option for garden boundaries where you want a combination of ornamental foliage and a natural physical deterrent.

How many Berberis plants do I need per metre?
As a general guide, 3-7 bare-root plants or 4-6 cell-grown plants per metre can be used, depending on plant size and the desired hedge density.

When can I buy bare-root Purple Berberis?
Bare-root plants are generally available from November through to late April or early May, depending on seasonal availability and growing conditions.

Is Purple Berberis a fast-growing hedge?
No. It is considered a slow-growing variety, with an expected growth rate of approximately 10-15cm per year. This makes it useful where a more manageable hedge is preferred.

Delivery & Returns

Free delivery is available within 50 miles of our nursery, making it convenient to have your Barberry hedging delivered directly to your property within our local delivery area.

Delivery beyond the 50-mile radius may also be available depending on your location and order. If you are unsure whether your address is within our delivery area, please contact us before placing your order.

All plants are carefully prepared for delivery to help ensure they arrive in good condition. Every plant is also covered by our 12-month plant guarantee, subject to the applicable terms and conditions.

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With over 30+ years in the horticultural industry, Bannister Hall is an award winning UK plants nursery. We are trusted growers and online retailers of everything plants including topiary, trees, hedges, and shrubs, supplying outdoor plants nationwide to homeowners, the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, local authorities, the NHS, landscaping designers, gardeners, contractors, and property developers. From our three privately owned British plants nurseries we offer specialist nationwide delivery of high quality plants at unbeatable prices. Our nurseries can be visited by everyone and you can also shop here online choosing from over 40,000 plant species. We are fully DEFRA compliant and approved by the national 'Plant Healthy Scheme'. Buy Hedges, Trees, Plants & Shrubs Direct Online with Free Delivery and 12 months plants guarantee- Tel. 0330 236 7330.