Notice

Colin Mills, compiler of the Hortus Camdenensis, died in late November 2012 after a short illness. As he always considered the Hortus his legacy, it is his family's intention to keep the site running in perpetuity. It will not, however, be updated in the near future.

Berberis vulgaris L. var. atropurpurea

See Berberis vulgaris L. for description of the species.  Atropurpurea is a shrub with deep purple foliage which contrasts strikingly with the nodding racemes of yellow flowers.  [RHSD, Hilliers’, Hortus].

Horticultural & Botanical History

‘B. vulgaris purpurea.  Purple leaved. Leaves dark purple.  On this account it is very ornamental.’  [Fuller – The Small Fruit Culturist p.27/1914].

History at Camden Park

Listed only in the 1857 catalogue [T.144/1857].

Notes

Published Feb 24, 2010 - 03:33 PM | Last updated Feb 24, 2010 - 03:35 PM

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Family Berberidaceae
Category
Region of origin

Europe including Britain
Synonyms
  • Berberis purpurifolia Hort.
  • Berberis purpurea Raf. 
Common Name

Purple-leafed barberry
Name in the Camden Park Record

Berberis atropurpurea 
Confidence level high