Purple Compact Barberry Hedge (Berberis thunbergii atropurpurea)

Purple Compact Barberry Hedge Plant Description

Berberis thunbergii 'Atropurpurea' (Purple Berberis) is a compact and slow-growing plant, making it ideal for low, prickly hedges up to 1 metre in height. It serves as an excellent alternative to Box hedging (Buxus sempervirens), particularly for gardens affected by Box blight. For more options on low-growing hedging plants, please visit our dedicated section.

This variety of Berberis features striking purple leaves, and it is worth noting that Prince Charles has a Purple Berberis hedge in one of the garden rooms at Highgrove! Berberis thunbergii 'Atropurpurea' is deciduous, producing yellow flowers in the spring and orange fruits that appear on its branches in late autumn. These tough and easy-to-grow hedging plants thrive in almost any soil type and condition, including coastal areas, although they prefer sun or partial shade. For a comprehensive guide to Berberis hedging plants, please see our ultimate guide.

For those interested in a slightly taller hedge with purple or red leaves, consider Berberis Red Leaf. Alternatively, for a hedge with variegated pink and cream foliage, Berberis 'Rose Glow' is a great choice. We also offer a wide range of evergreen hedging plants, hedges with berries, and hedges featuring colourful foliage.

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

Pruning Advice

Berberis thunbergii hedge trimming should be done immediately after flowering.

Further Information

Our recommended planting densities for each size and root type are listed in the product grid. These should be used as a guide when considering the time you are willing to wait for your hedge to achieve its full appearance. As a general indication, bare root plants can be spaced at 3 to 7 per metre, while cell-grown plants can be spaced between 4 and 6 per metre. For higher densities, consider planting in a double staggered row or a zig-zag pattern.

Delivery & Returns

Free delivery is available on most orders (except Premium Products) providing they meet the minimum spend criteria for the size of box or pallet. Pallet deliveries and large box deliveries for tall plants are indicated by icons on the product table listings. Delivery costs and minimum order details for each packaging type are as follows:

* Standard Sized Boxes (Bare root up to 1.2m tall & pots up to 7.5L) | Free UK Mainland Delivery for orders over £100 | or £7.99 charge.

* Tall Sized Boxes (Bare roots 1.2m & over) | Free UK Mainland Delivery for orders over £100 | or £14.99 charge.

* Pallets (Root balls, large pots 10L+, trees etc | Free UK Mainland Delivery for orders over £350 | or £60 charge.

* Pleached Trees (Specialist Delivery) | Free UK Mainland Delivery for orders over £1500 | or £450 charge.