The deciduous berberis species and varieties are all tough and easy to grow. B. thunbergii is one of the least demanding and available in a number of lovely varieties. It is an extremely popular combination of colours that provide interest all year round - even in winter the stems are reddish purple, like the leaves before they catch fire in autumn. The yellow flowers contrast well with the foliage, while the bright red berries are conspicuous for several months.