Berberis thunbergii f.atropurpurea 'BAGATELLE' Japanese barberry

Bagatelle is a less common dwarf variety of red-leaved dřišťálů. Its deciduous leaves have all sorts of shapes like oblong, ovate, even rounded. They emerge rich red, and if grown in full sun they turn deep burgundy red in summer and bright carmine red in autumn. New shoots are always red. Bottom leaves without much sunlight remain light green from spring till autumn. Bagatelle is very similar to Atropurpurea Nana barberry but has shorter, upright branches, and the leaf margins on red leaves are decorated with thin, light green lining.

The name itself – Bagatelle – evokes something not really worth mentioning. But this little shrub deserves more than a wrong impression from its name. Especially now, at times of fast climate changes and frequent whims of weather one likes to rely on something steady, solid, simply reliable. Which Bagatelle barberry definitely is. It has withstood all sorts of adverse conditions over the past 20 years and not once required any attention regarding healing its pains or bruises. No damage ever.

Japanese barberry tolerates most soil types provided it is well-drained, and given enough time and some initial care it can even cope with heavy clay. Grow it in full sun for best colour, yet it takes partial shade and full shade, too. It is fully hardy to min. -34°C (USDA zone 4) and suitable for growing in outdoor pots.

Last update 16-02-2013