Concorde Barberry
Concorde Barberry
Deep Violet-Purple in a Compact, Award-Winning Mound
Concorde Barberry (Berberis thunbergii 'Concorde') is prized for its exceptionally rich, deep violet-purple foliage held on a dense, slow-growing dwarf mound. An Award of Garden Merit winner, it keeps its dark color from spring through fall without flopping or needing a trim, making it one of the most refined small purple shrubs available. Thorny, deer-resistant, and drought-tough, it's a jewel-toned accent for compact Edina, Minnetonka, and Eagan gardens.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Berberis thunbergii 'Concorde' |
| Mature Size | 1.5–2 ft tall and wide (dwarf) |
| Hardiness Zone | Zone 4–8 (hardy across most of Minnesota) |
| Light | Full sun (best color); tolerates part sun |
| Foliage | Deep violet-purple, red-purple in fall |
| Soil | Well-drained; tolerates poor, dry soils |
| Special Traits | Deer resistant, drought tolerant, dwarf, award winner |
Landscape Uses
Concorde is ideal at the front of a border, as edging, in rock gardens, and in containers where its dark, jewel-like color anchors brighter companions. Its slow, tidy growth needs little care, and the thorny stems deter deer.
Best Time to Plant
Plant in spring or early fall, when cool weather and steady moisture help the roots establish.
How to Plant
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep. Set the crown level with the soil, backfill, water in well, and mulch 2–3 inches deep, keeping mulch off the stems. Full sun keeps the violet-purple richest.
Watering
First Year: Water deeply 1–2 times per week to establish the roots.
After Year One: Water only during extended dry spells. It's very drought tolerant once established.
Drip Irrigation: A drip line gives efficient, low-water moisture.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big does Concorde get?
It's a slow-growing dwarf, maturing at roughly 1.5–2 feet tall and wide.
Is it hardy in Minnesota?
Yes, it's hardy to Zone 4 and grows well across most of the state.
Is it deer resistant?
Yes, the thorny stems make it reliably deer resistant.
Does it need full sun?
Full sun produces the deepest violet-purple; shade dulls the color toward green.
You May Also Like
Pair Concorde with gold and coral barberries and our other compact, deer-resistant shrubs for a refined, low-care border.
How Many Concorde Barberry Do I Need?
This slow-growing dwarf matures at just 1.5–2 ft, so for a continuous low edge plant on 2-foot centers; for accents, use single plants or groups of 3 spaced 2 ft apart at the front of the border.
| Edge Length | Plants Needed (2 ft spacing) |
|---|---|
| 5 ft | 3 plants |
| 10 ft | 5 plants |
| 20 ft | 10 plants |
| 30 ft | 15 plants |
Concorde Barberry Season-by-Season in Minnesota
- Spring: New leaves emerge already deep violet-purple — no waiting for the color to develop.
- Summer: The jewel-dark mound holds its color through heat without fading, flopping, or shearing.
- Fall: Foliage deepens to red-purple for a final glow before leaf drop.
- Winter: A compact twiggy dome that disappears tidily under snow and needs no protection.
At a Glance
✔ Deer-Resistant ✔ Drought-Tolerant
Plant It With
- Golden Nugget Barberry — the gold dwarf the body suggests pairing; electric contrast at the same tiny scale.
- Orange Rocket Barberry — coral-orange upright for a vertical accent behind the dark mound.
- Goldfinger Potentilla — bright yellow summer flowers that pop against violet-purple foliage.
- Blue Star Juniper — steel-blue evergreen texture for year-round structure beside it.
Is Concorde Barberry Right for Your Yard?
Choose it if you have a sunny, well-drained spot that needs a refined, no-maintenance dark accent — it shrugs off deer, drought, and poor soil, and never outgrows its space. It's not a fit for shade (the violet dulls toward green) or for buyers planning years ahead: Minnesota is phasing out Japanese barberry sales (currently legal through the end of 2028), so consider native alternatives if long-term replaceability matters to you.