Berberis darwinii - Darwin's Barberry

Berberis darwinii - Darwin's Barberry

A robust and attractive evergreen shrub native to southern Chile and Argentina, known for its dense, fountain-like form with arching branches and glossy, dark green, oval leaves edged with sharp spines. This thorny shrub is ideal for hedging, screening, or security planting due to its dense, spiny habit.

Key Features:

• Prolific clusters of bright orange-yellow flowers in spring
• Grows to approximately 3-4m high x 3-4m wide
• Glossy dark green, oval leaves with spiny margins
• Small purple-black berries in summer, attractive to birds
• Highly attractive to bees and pollinators
• Drought tolerant once established
• Frost and coastal exposure tolerant
• Dense, spiny habit perfect for security barriers

Growing Conditions:

Thrives in full sun to partial shade and adapts well to a wide range of well-drained soils, including clay, loam, and sandy soils. Can handle coastal exposure and moderate frost, making it suitable for cold climate areas.

Garden Uses:

Perfect for hedging, screening, wildlife gardens, and security barriers. Combines ornamental beauty with practical garden uses, providing year-round structure, seasonal flower and fruit interest, and habitat for native fauna. Light pruning after flowering maintains shape - beware of sharp spines during maintenance.