Berberis x ottawensis 39auricoma39 is easily recognisable because its dense purple45red leaves stand out amongst other plants39 green foliage this unusual tone contrasts with the bright yellow flowers this barberry produces in the early spring it also provides a striking backdrop to the subsequent orange45red berries the deciduous hardy shrub is no less colourful in the autumn its dark leaves are transformed into a firey red explosion before they are shed year45round b