Overview
Berberis darwinii is a bushy shrub in the genus Berberis, part of the Berberidaceae family, with deciduous, evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 3.0 m tall. Berberis darwinii grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal garden, coastal, wildlife gardens, flower borders and beds and hedging and screens. It is native to southern Chile and Argentina.
About
Berberis darwinii, Darwin's barberry, is a species of flowering plant in the family Berberidaceae. It is native to southern Chile and Argentina and naturalized elsewhere.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Berberis darwinii
About the genus
Berberis, commonly known as barberry, is a large genus of deciduous and evergreen shrubs from 1–5 m tall, found throughout temperate and subtropical regions of the world. Species diversity is greatest in South America and Asia, but native species also appear in Europe, Africa, and North America.
Wikipedia contributors, "Berberis", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Berberis
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Berberis
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Sandy, Loamy, Clay
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Berberis darwinii size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Shrub
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous, Evergreen
- Height
- 3.0 m
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Coastal, Wildlife gardens, Flower borders and beds, Hedging and screens
- Native to
- southern Chile, Argentina
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Berberis darwinii
- Propagation
- Seed, Semi-ripe cuttings, Softwood cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Aphids, Berberis sawfly
- Disease resistance
- Powdery mildews, Honey fungus
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Berberis darwinii?
Berberis darwinii prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Berberis darwinii need?
Berberis darwinii is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How big does Berberis darwinii grow?
Berberis darwinii reaches a height of 3.0 m.
Is Berberis darwinii hardy in the UK?
Berberis darwinii has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Berberis darwinii?
Seed, Semi-ripe cuttings, Softwood cuttings.
From the Fenn Plants journal
- Notes on DaffodilsWhen to plant daffodil bulbs in the UK, how deep, how to naturalise them in grass, why daffodils stop flowering (“blindness”), and why you should never mix cut daffodils with other flowers.
- Keeping Your NerveHow to garden through a heatwave — the best time to water, why deep soaks beat daily sprinkles, caring for pots and vulnerable plants, and why you can let the lawn go brown.
- Made to LastHow to clean, store and protect garden pots and planters — the frost-proof vs frost-resistant difference, winter care for terracotta and ceramic, and how to reuse a broken pot.
More in the Berberis genus
- Berberis julianaeWintergreen Barberry
- Berberis thunbergii 'Atropurpurea Nana'Dwarf Purpleleaf Japanese Barberry
