This tidy barberry has an upright form and dark burgundy foliage. It will reach 4 to 5 feet tall but only 1 to 2 feet wide.

Its dark foliage keeps its color throughout the growing season, then often turns red in the fall. It will tolerate a wide variety of soils. Bright red berries appear in the fall and attract birds. It is very adaptable and will grow in full sun to part shade, although it will have the best color in full sun.

This plant works very well as an upright accent or as a screen where its thorns will prove useful.