Crimson Pygmy Japanese Barberry (Berberis thunbergii 'Crimson Pygmy')
BER-ber-iss thun-BER-jee-eye 'Crimson Pygmy'

Deciduous Perennial Dense, Compact, Mounded Shrub in the Berberidaceae Family
 
Buy Crimson Pygmy Japanese Barberry
Size Notes Price Availability
#5 gallon Field $55.50 Likely available
11/1 - 11/8
1/24 - 4/4

A stunning dwarf shrub that showcases vibrant crimson foliage and small yellow flowers in spring, adding a pop of color to your garden. Its striking red berries in the fall extend the season of interest well into winter
Crimson Pygmy Japanese Barberry is a dwarf, densely branched deciduous shrub grown for its rich reddish-purple foliage, which deepens further in fall. Small pale yellow flowers appear along the stems in mid-spring, followed by bright red berries that persist into winter. Originating as a compact sport of the species in the 1940s (also known historically as 'Atropurpurea Nana'), it keeps a naturally tidy, mounded shape that needs very little pruning. Full sun brings out the deepest color, though it tolerates partial shade and a wide range of soils once established.

Pros

  • Deep reddish-purple foliage that deepens further in fall
  • Naturally dwarf, dense, mounded habit needs almost no pruning
  • Drought-tolerant once established and adaptable to many soils
  • Deer-resistant thanks to its spiny branches

Cons

  • Sharp spines make pruning and handling difficult
  • Self-seeds readily and is considered invasive in several states
  • Susceptible to anthracnose, powdery mildew, and a few other pests
Highlights
  • Compact dwarf size, ideal for small spaces
  • Season-long reddish-purple color
  • Very low pruning needs
  • Deer resistant
 

Plant Data

Mature Size 18 - 24 inches tall. 24 - 36 inches wide.
Growth Rate Medium
Sun Exposure Partial Shade - Full Sun
Moisture Tolerance Medium : Drought-tolerant once established; prefers well-drained soil and dislikes standing water.
Zones 4a - 8b (Usually hardy to -30° F)
Tags Attracts Birds, Colorful Foliage, Deciduous, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Fall Color, Foundation, Full Sun, Good for Hedges, Good for Mass Planting, Grown For Attractive Foliage, Low Maintenance, Medium, Most Popular, Mounded, Non-Allergenic, Partial Shade, Partial Sun, Perennial, Potentially Toxic, Rabbit Resistant, Shrub, Thorns, Tolerant of Clay Soil, Tolerant of Hot Dry Site, Tolerant of Poor Soil, Well-Drained Soil
Bloom Period April To May
Flower Color Yellow
 

More Info from Experts

Commonly Planted with...

  • Karl Foerster feather reed grass
  • Coneflowers
  • Catmint
  • Boxwood or dwarf conifers, for foliage-color contrast

Photos of This with...

Coronation Gold Yarrow, Spotted Dead Nettle, Golden Vicary Privet, Coralburst Crabapple, Big Ears Lamb's Ear, Nestor Prostrate Speedwell,
 
Want More photos of this plant? Try Google Image Search!
 


Pricing and Availability History

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Past Availability
2025 : 04/03 - 09/20
2024 : 05/01 - 10/05
2023 : 04/13 - 09/30

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Field-Grown vs. Greenhouse-Grown Plants

Plants which are well-adapted to our local climate are most often field-grown (outside). Field-grown plants are generally cheaper and have the advantage of already somewhat acclimated to our cold winters, but that means they’re not artificially far along in the spring and tend to bloom at the normal time in our area.

Spring annuals and tender perennials are typically grown in Greenhouses so they can be ready and luxurious exactly when customers want them. Some perennials are also “forced” into early bloom in greenhouses. In May, there can be a very big difference between field-grown and greenhouse-grown plants of the same type. The latter typically look good right away (so they’re a great choice where that’s important), but we typically pay a premium for it.


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No Pricing or Availability Right Now

We order from a rotating cast of the best nurseries in the Great Lakes region. It looks like we've offered this plant in the past, but the nurseries we're working with this week don't appear to have it in stock at the moment.

Our goal is to bring as many plants together under "one roof" as possible, so we'll try hard to make it available again in the future!