Plants by mail order since 1984, over 4100 plants online today!
- Shop Now
- Burncoose Specialities
- This Month
- Offers & Promotions
- RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2022
- Engage With Us
- Information, Help & Advice
- About Us & Our Services
- Terms & Conditions
- Log In / Register

BERBERIS darwinii
Commonly known as Darwin's barberry
Bright orange flowers
Further Reading....
-
Evergreen3 to 5 spine-toothed, dark-green leaves 2-4cm (¾-1½in) long.
-
Orange
-
Height3m (10ft)
-
Spread3m (10ft)
-
HedgeIdeal for hedgingSuitable for a coastal hedge if some protection given from direct sea-winds
-
Tall ShrubVigorous, profusely flowering upright shrub
-
Hardy - cold winterHardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters. May not withstand open/exposed sites or central/northern locations. Plant can withstand temperatures down to -15°C (5°F)
-
Full sun
-
Partial shade
BERBERIS darwinii
- Details
- Mature Size
- Tips and Advice
- Goes Well With
- Planting Combinations
- Other Suggestions
- See Also...
-
Additional FeaturesBerriesThese plants have berries.Good to knowOriginally found by Darwin on his Beagle voyage and introduced by Cornish plant hunter William Lobb c.1848. A good all-rounder. Makes a clippable, spiny hedge, has abundant, scented flowers, sometimes twice a year, and blue-black fruits. Wildlife plant - nectar and pollen for insects, berries for birds.Pests & DiseasesAphids, powdery mildew.Place of originChile, Argentina
-
Flower ShapeRacemesPendent racemes to 5cm (2in) long of 10-30 flowers 5mm (¼in) across
-
Garden Location/ConditionsCoastal / windswept
-
HardinessFully hardy
-
Leaf shapeObovate
(see photos above) -
Pruning groupPruning group 5Suitable for: Evergreen shrubs that require minimal pruning.
Action: Trim or lightly cut back shoots that spoil symmetry. Deadhead regularly.
When: Annually after flowering.
RHS group 8 -
Scented PlantsScented flowers
-
Seasonal InterestAutumnSpringSummerWinter
-
Soil ConditionsTolerates allAny well-drained soil.
-
WildlifeBee friendlyRabbit Resistant
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Berberis - Care Guide
Hedging - Box Alternatives
3m (10ft)
|
![]() |
![]() |
3m (10ft) |
Useful extras...

Fertilisers & Feeds - Vitax
Q4 Pelleted Fertiliser
A useful fertiliser suitable for use on a wide variety of plants. Q4 provides all the nutrients and trace elements essential for vigorous growth, abundant flowering and ripening of fruit.
3 options from £6.00

Fertilisers & Feeds - Empathy
Rootgrow mycorrhizal fungi
Recommended by the RHS. Contains Rootgrow™ mycorrhizal fungi. Suitable for all trees and shrubs (except rhododendrons, azaleas, heathers, cranberries and blueberries)
2 options from £6.00

Fertilisers & Feeds - Empathy
All-purpose Seaweed Stimulant
All-purpose organic concentrated seaweed feed that is a ready to use, derived from sustainable harvested kelp, that can be used on all outdoor and indoor plants, except acid loving plants.
Perfect used in conjunction with Rootgrow™.
Only £7.50