Cultivars
The cultivars are separated into 2 different groups, Purple leaf types and Green yellow variegated leaf types. All of the Purple leaf types are variations of atropurpurpa. Generally the following plants are frost tolerant and have a medium water requirement once established.

PURPLE LEAF TYPES
var. atropurpurpa
This shrub grows to 1m (3ft) tall by 1.5m (5ft) wide forming a compact rounded habit. The leaves are reddish-purple during spring and turn crimson during autumn. The yellow flowers are tinted with purple and the fruits are vivid red, simular to the species.

It is used as a tub specimen or may be trimmed to form a hedge and is excellent colour contrast for a small garden. Once established it has a low water requirement once established (Scale: 1-drop from 3), responding to mulch and an occasional deep watering during dry periods, particularly for young plants.

'Atropurpurpa nana'
This dwarf deciduous shrub grows to 600 mm (24in) tall by 750 mm (30in) wide forming a compact rounded habit. It has small purplish spiky leaves that turn brilliant-red during summer and the small pale yellow flowers appear during autumn.

It prefers an open sunny to partly shaded position and grows on most well drained moderately fertile moist soils. The photographs in the gallery were taken at Edinburgh Botanic Gardens.

'Little Favourite'
This dwarf deciduous shrub grows to 1m (3ft) tall by 500mm (16in) wide and compact rounded habit with rich reddish-purple leaves. The small yellow flowers appear in spring and are followed by red berries. It grows in full sun to semi-shade tolerating most well drained fertile moist soils.

It is used in rockeries or as a container plant for colour contrast. It is frost tolerant and once established it has a low water requirement once established (Scale: 1-drop from 3), responding to mulch and an occasional deep watering during dry periods, particularly for young plants.

Note
The following cultivars may only be found in the USA, UK or Japan.
'Bagatelle'
This shrub forms a compact habit with glossy leaves.