Other Names:  Michay Barberry

Description:

A beautiful shrub that looks rich on the landscape; deep green glossy foliage beneath clusters of orange flowers in spring, followed by blue-black fruit in fall

Ornamental Features

Darwin's Barberry has attractive dark green evergreen foliage on a plant with an upright spreading habit of growth. The glossy oval leaves are highly ornamental and remain dark green throughout the winter. It is bathed in stunning clusters of fragrant orange flowers hanging below the branches in mid spring, which emerge from distinctive red flower buds. The fruits are showy black drupes displayed from early to late fall.

Landscape Attributes

Darwin's Barberry is a dense multi-stemmed evergreen shrub with an upright spreading habit of growth. Its relatively fine texture sets it apart from other landscape plants with less refined foliage.

This is a relatively low maintenance shrub, and usually looks its best without pruning, although it will tolerate pruning. Deer don't particularly care for this plant and will usually leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration;

• Spiny

Darwin's Barberry is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Accent
• Mass Planting
• Hedges/Screening
• General Garden Use

Planting & Growing

Darwin's Barberry will grow to be about 9 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 11 feet. It has a low canopy with a typical clearance of 2 feet from the ground, and is suitable for planting under power lines. It grows at a fast rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for 40 years or more.

This shrub does best in full sun to partial shade. It is very adaptable to both dry and moist growing conditions, but will not tolerate any standing water. It may require supplemental watering during periods of drought or extended heat. It is not particular as to soil type, but has a definite preference for acidic soils, and is able to handle environmental salt. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. This species is not originally from North America.