Darwin's Barberry

Berberis darwinii is a vigorous and attractive evergreen shrub that offers architectural beauty and a formidable security barrier. It features small, holly-like, dark green glossy leaves on thorny branches. In mid to late spring, it produces a spectacular and dense display of drooping racemes of rich orange flowers, often tinged with red, which are a vital early source of nectar for bees. These are followed by small, edible but tart, blue-black berries in the autumn that are highly prized by birds. It is a very hardy shrub (H5) and is exceptionally adaptable, growing well in most soils and aspects, including partial shade and coastal conditions. It can reach up to 3 metres in height but is easily kept smaller with pruning. It makes an excellent informal flowering hedge or a standout specimen in a mixed border. Its dense growth and sharp spines also make it a popular choice for deterring unwanted visitors. It requires minimal maintenance once established.

Sun: Full sun to partial shade.

Soil: Most well-drained soils.

Hardiness: H5 — down to −15°C.

Flowering: Apr, May.