Berberis darwinii

Darwin’s barberry is another of few evergreen barberries with sufficient hardiness for our climate conditions. It originates in Latin America, in the regions of Chile and Argentina and was first discovered by Charles Darwin, what a surprise, in 1835.

It is a nice and reliable shrub with holly-like, evergreen leaves that are deep green and very glossy. In mid spring appears profusion of up to 5 cm long clusters with small, scented, fantastic golden yellow or almost orange flowers. They are followed by spherical blue fruit in autumn that is a delicacy for birds that can start a fight for it. The berries are edible for humans, too, but not too tasty. As most barberries, branches have many 2-3 cm long sharp spines.

The plant grow medium fast and can easily be pruned or clipped to shapes from mid spring until mid summer. Grow it in almost any well-drained soil, no fertilizing needed. Hardy to -24°C (USDA zone 6).

Last update 15-02-2010