Berberis darwinii produces stunning bunches of orange-yellow flowers which hold onto red stems in spring, along with small and prickly, dark green leaves.
About Darwins Barberry
As well as pretty flowers, and rich green foliage, Darwins Barberry also produces blue-purple-coloured berries, and if you are lucky, a second round of flowers. The berries are also popular with wildlife, and often eaten by the birds. However, besides all this, most people recognise the Darwins Barberry hedge for its lovely Spring bursts of colour and prickly green foliage.
The Berberis darwinii really is the perfect hedge for many garden needs. It is an easy hedge to grow, even in the harshest conditions, and produces pleasant nodding flowers, with the dark green leaves turning a rusty-red, even though it is evergreen! As well as this, the prickly foliage is ideal for keeping intruders away, and it is perfect for providing year-round interest and colour to your garden.
Key Features
The Darwins Barberry is tolerant to most soil types- normal soil is likely to help the plant thrive to its best. It can be placed in exposed/inland sites and can even survive in coastal surroundings. However, it is important to acknowledge that the plant will grow best in a semi-shady aspect.
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Growth height: Average (20-40cm per year)
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Ideal height:2.5m+ Tall
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Soil Type: Normal
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Exposure: Coastal, Exposed, Inland
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Aspect: Semi-shade
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Evergreen foliage? Yes
Pruning & Care
Berberis darwinii is rather fast growing and will even make it to 3m high if you do not keep an eye on it- it is easier to maintain at about 1.5m, though. Pruning is simple; just cut back any branches that have got too long or neaten it up a bit to keep it in shape (once the berries have fallen off/been eaten in Autumn). Any pruning must be done straight after the flowering period, however.
How To Plant Darwins Barberry
When should I plant Darwins Barberry hedging?
The best time to plant Berberis Darwinii is during autumn.
How far apart do you plant Darwins Barberry plants?
We recommend planting around 45-60cm apart for the a bushy and dense Barberry hedge - you can plant up to 4 per metre, however, for a hedge much quicker.
How to plant your Darwins Barberry:
First, dig a hole that is twice the width of the root ball, but about the same depth, and sprinkle a nice handful of bone meal or root grow into the soil, and mix in well.
Place the plant into the hole, ensuring it is in the middle and straight, then fill back in with excess soil and press down lightly but firmly to secure the plant well.
Ensure to water thoroughly for the first year of planting to help the roots establish properly.