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Key characteristics

Family: Berberidaceae
Height: 6 to 10 feet
Width: 6 to 10 feet
Flower color: Deep golden orange to yellow orange flowers borne in drooping clusters
Foliage color: Small glossy dark green spiny holly like leaves often tinged bronze when young
Bloom time: Early to mid spring often March to April
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Water: Low to average
Maintenance: Low; prune after flowering to shape plants and remove older stems to maintain density
Growing zone: USDA zones 7 to 9
Wildlife: Bees, butterflies and birds that feed on the small dark blue berries

Shrubs

Berberis darwinii

Darwin's Barberry

Berberis darwinii carries dense branching lined with small, glossy, dark green leaves edged with fine spines. The foliage forms a textured evergreen framework that remains colorful throughout the year. In mid to late spring, clusters of warm orange to golden-orange flowers appear along the stems, their small cup-shaped blooms gathered in drooping groups that glow against the dark leaves. By late summer, the flowers give way to small blue-black berries with a dusty bloom.

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Water

Low to average

Bloom time

Early to mid spring often March to April

Find this plant

Works well in

Borders
Hedging & Privacy
Bird Gardens
Pollinator Gardens

Companion plants

Juniper · Beautyberry · Larkspur · Pincushion flower · Wallflower · Grape hyacinth

Design tip

Use this evergreen to create a colorful backdrop along a border or property edge, where its spring flowers can really shine. Layer smaller shrubs and perennials in front to soften its dense form and create a welcoming, naturally balanced garden.