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Berberis darwinii
Darwin's barberry
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Growing Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones
7 - 9These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
What's my zone? →Frost Tolerancehardy
Overview
Berberis darwinii is Darwin's barberry, an evergreen shrub growing 60–120 inches (150–300 cm) tall and wide. Deep orange flowers in pendant racemes 2–3 inches (5–7 cm) in mid to late spring — the deep orange flower color is uncommon among temperate flowering shrubs. Small dark green glossy holly-like leaves 0.5–1 inch (12–25 mm) with 3–5 spiny marginal teeth. Blue-black berries 0.3 inch (8 mm) in fall — consumed by birds. In the barberry family (Berberidaceae). Named after Charles Darwin, who collected the species during the HMS Beagle voyage in Chile in 1835. Triple spines at the leaf nodes — the thorny habit creates an impenetrable barrier. Classified as invasive in parts of New Zealand and Australia where bird-dispersed seeds colonize native bush margins — check local invasive species lists before planting. All parts contain berberine (a yellow isoquinoline alkaloid) — mildly toxic to humans and animals (gastrointestinal irritation). The inner bark and wood are yellow (berberine pigment). Native to Chile and Argentina (Patagonia), growing at forest margins and on rocky slopes. Damaged below 10°F (−12°C). Full sun to partial shade. Drought-tolerant once established. Deer-resistant (thorny + toxic). Zones 7–9. Growth rate is moderate.
Native Range
Native to Chile and Argentina (Patagonia), growing at forest margins, rocky slopes, and open scrub. Collected by Charles Darwin during the HMS Beagle voyage in 1835.Suggested Uses
Grown as a barrier hedge and in borders in zones 7–9. The thorny impenetrable habit and the deep orange spring flowers are the features. Blue-black berries consumed by birds. Check local invasive lists. All parts mildly toxic. Deer-resistant.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height5' - 10'
Width/Spread5' - 10'
Reaches mature size in approximately 5 years
Bloom Information
Mid to late spring (April–May), lasting 2–3 weeks. Deep orange flowers in pendant racemes. Blue-black berries develop in fall — consumed by birds. The orange flower color is uncommon among temperate shrubs.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Deep orange, in pendant racemes 2-3 inches (5-7 cm)Foliage Description
Dark green, glossy, small, holly-like with 3-5 spiny teeth, 0.5-1 inch (12-25 mm)Growing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Full sun to partial shade. Drought-tolerant once established. Thorny — triple spines at nodes. Classified as invasive in New Zealand and Australia (check local lists). All parts contain berberine (mildly toxic). Damaged below 10°F (−12°C). Deer-resistant. Zones 7–9.Pruning
Prune for shape after flowering in early summer. Tolerates hard renovation pruning. The thorny stems require thick gloves and caution. Hedge-suited — tolerates clipping.Pruning Schedule
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