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Description
Berberis Thunbergii F. Atropurpurea Admiration, also known as Purple Japanese Barberry, is a deciduous shrub that is native to Japan. It belongs to the Berberidaceae family and is a popular landscaping plant due to its striking foliage and low maintenance requirements. The plant is known for its bright red leaves that turn a deep purple in the fall, making it a great addition to any garden or landscape.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Ranunculales |
| Family | Berberidaceae |
| Genus | Berberis |
Appearance
The Purple Japanese Barberry grows up to 5 feet tall and 4 feet wide, forming a dense, rounded shape. The leaves are small and oval-shaped, measuring about 1 inch in length. The foliage starts out as bright red in the spring, gradually turning to a deep purple color in the fall. The plant produces small yellow flowers in the spring, followed by red berries in the fall that attract birds.
Care Guide
The Purple Japanese Barberry is an easy-to-care-for plant that requires minimal maintenance. It thrives in well-drained soil and full sunlight but can tolerate partial shade. The plant is hardy in zones 4-8 and requires regular watering during the first year of growth to establish its root system. After that, it can tolerate drought conditions. Fertilize the plant once a year in the spring with a slow-release fertilizer to promote healthy growth.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Purple Japanese Barberry is relatively pest-free and disease-resistant. However, it can be susceptible to fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and rust if grown in humid conditions. These diseases can be treated with fungicides. The plant can also attract aphids, spider mites, and scale insects. These pests can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Habitat
The Purple Japanese Barberry is native to Japan but is widely grown in North America and Europe as a landscaping plant. It is commonly used as a hedge, border plant, or accent in gardens and landscapes. The plant grows well in a variety of soil types and is tolerant of drought conditions.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the Purple Japanese Barberry invasive?
A: While the Purple Japanese Barberry is not considered invasive in North America, it is classified as an invasive species in some areas of the United States, such as New York and Connecticut. Check with your local authorities before planting this shrub.
Q: How often should I prune the Purple Japanese Barberry?
A: The Purple Japanese Barberry does not require frequent pruning but can be trimmed back in the late winter or early spring to maintain its shape and size.
Q: Can the berries of the Purple Japanese Barberry be eaten?
A: While the berries of the Purple Japanese Barberry are edible, they are not commonly consumed due to their tart and bitter taste.
Q: How fast does the Purple Japanese Barberry grow?
A: The Purple Japanese Barberry grows at a moderate rate of about 6-12 inches per year.
Related Plants
- Berberis Thunbergii F. Atropurpurea
- Berberis Thunbergii F. Concorde
- Berberis Thunbergii F. Rose Glow
References
- “Berberis thunbergii f. atropurpurea ‘Admiration’.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 20 May 2021. <http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/plantfinder/plantfinderdetails.aspx?kempercode=l540>.
- “Berberis thunbergii f. atropurpurea ‘Admiration’.” Plant Finder. Accessed 20 May 2021. <https://www.monrovia.com/plant-catalog/plants/1073/admiration-japanese-barberry/>.
- “Purple Japanese Barberry.” The Spruce. Accessed 20 May 2021. <https://www.thespruce.com/purple-japanese-barberry-plant-profile-5072996>.
