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Berberis darwinii
Family: Berberidaceae
Genus: Berberis
Species: darwinii
Common names: Barberry
Berberis darwinii
Berberis darwinii shocks us awake in mid to late spring. The orange flowers are small (around 5cm) but ferocious in their intensity. This is orange at its very best.
The flower buds are just as colourful as the flowers themselves and hang together in clusters that smother the shrub. The leaves are evergreen and, like the flowers, are small bearing three to five spiney tips.
However, don't be fooled into thinking this Berberis is a dwarf as it will easily reach 3m in height and spread.
Whilst tolerant of a wide range of conditions Berberis darwinii does best in full sun with well drained soil. It will grow in shade but just won't flower so well. As a large evergreen it is best suited to the back of a border and considering the prickles this is often the wisest location.
Generally Berberis are best left alone but Berberis darwinii has a habit of sending out leggy shoots in young plants which can be cut back to help the shrub bush out.
If you are in favour of keeping shrubs manicured then Berberis darwinii is a fine shrub to work with. The small leaves respond well to fine clipping and the shrub will continue to flower even when sculpted into tight forms.
Berberis Darwinii at a glance
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