John Rickard
Family
Berberidaceae
Botanical Name
BERBERIS darwinii
Plant Common Name
Darwin's Barberry
General Description
One of the most beautiful and exotic of the barberries, Darwin's barberry is distinguished by pendulous clusters of golden orange flowers that bloom profusely in spring. It is native to the alpine regions of Chile, Argentina and Patagonia where it thrives in moist open woodlands. The rounded shrub becomes quite large, may develop arching branches, and has prickly evergreen leaves. Edible purplish black barberries are produced in summer. They are tart, seedy and can be used to make jam. There is evidence to show the fruits were eaten by the earliest human inhabitants of southwestern South America.
Evergreen leaves that are small, fine and barbed with prickles much like holly leaves densely line the thick branches of Darwin's barberry. Plentiful pendulous flower clusters appear in spring. Each small rose-like flower is golden with highlights of bright orange or orangish red. Bees are drawn to the flowers and lots of round berries that turn from waxy green to purplish black follow. They are usually ripe by midsummer. Birds relish the fruits, which are also fine for human consumption.
Darwin's barberry can be grown in sun where weather is cool and mild. Otherwise it is best grown in partial shade. Provide fertile, well-drained soil on the acid side and protect from sites with drying wind. This is an ideal specimen shrub for a woodland border or shaded foundation planting. It can also be planted as a hedge.
Fungal disease can cause branches to die back. Prune out unhealthy branches in spring being sure to sterilize pruners between cuts. Selective spring pruning can also be implemented to shape the plant.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
8 - 1
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USDA Hardiness Zone
7 - 8
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Sunset Zone
5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
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Plant Type
Shrub
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun, Partial Shade
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Height
8'-11' / 2.4m - 3.4m
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Width
7'-10' / 2.1m - 3.0m
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Bloom Time
Spring
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Native To
South America, Argentina, Chile
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
Orange, Gold, Orange Red
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Flower Color Modifier
Bicolor
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Fruit Color
Dark Blue, Plum
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Winter)
Dark Green
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Bark Color
Sandy Brown, Gray
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Fragrant Flowers
Yes
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
No
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Showy Fruit
Yes
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Edible Fruit
Yes
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Showy Foliage
Yes
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Foliage Texture
Fine
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Foliage Sheen
Glossy
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Evergreen
Yes
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Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
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Bark Texture
Smooth
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Usage
Alpine, Foundation, Hedges, Mixed Border, Screening / Wind Break, Topiary / Bonsai / Espalier
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Invasive
Sometimes
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Attracts
Birds
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Self-Sowing
Yes