Berberis thunbergii or Japanese Barberry is a low growing deciduous shrub that keeps some foliage all year in warmer climes.
Stems are densely massed with small spines and neat, round, purply-brown leaves and bell shaped flowers of greenish-yellow with red stripes.
They make a good accent specimen and work particualrly well as a low hedge.
Varieties include 'Atropurpurea' - has round, purplish leaves turning a vibrant claret red in autumn.
'Golden Ring' - has golden leaves that turn red in autumn. This variety also produces red berries.
'Rose Glow' - has reddish-purple leaves that are speckled with white or light pink.
'Golden Torch' - has golden yellow foliage.