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Darwins Barberry Hedge (Berberis Darwinii)

Darwin's Barberry (Berberis darwinii) is a dense evergreen shrub with glossy dark green, spiny leaves and drooping clusters of rich orange flowers in spring. These are followed by blue-black berries in autumn, adding further seasonal interest. Its dense growth and prickly foliage also make it well suited to boundary hedging and screening.

Medium Growth Rate
Yellow Flowers
Evergreen
Berries
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Planting Conditions: Suitable for full sun or partial shade and a range of well-drained soils, including chalk, clay, loam and sand.
Growth Rate: Medium growing | 20–40cm a year
Height: Easily maintained at 1–2m
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	Height cm	Price inc VAT	Planting Density	Plants Quantity
	Darwins Barberry Pot Grown 2L 20/40cm	Regular price £11.50 Sale price £11.50 Regular price Unit price per	5 per metre

	Height cm	Price inc VAT	Planting Density	Pallet Quantity
	Darwins Barberry Pot Grown 2L 20/40cm (x50) Multi-deal	Regular price £517.50 Sale price £517.50 Regular price Unit price per	5 per metre

Darwin's Barberry Hedge Plant Description

Darwin's Barberry (Berberis darwinii) is a dense, bushy evergreen shrub that provides year-round foliage and a naturally secure boundary. Its glossy dark green leaves have small spines, giving the plant a distinctive appearance and making it well suited to hedging and screening.

In spring, the branches produce drooping clusters of rich orange flowers, often tinged red in bud. These are followed by blue-black berries in autumn, adding further seasonal interest to the hedge.

The dense growth and spiny stems make Darwin's Barberry a useful choice for secure boundary planting as well as screening. It can be maintained as a formal hedge or allowed to develop a more natural shape, depending on the look required.

For healthy growth, plant Darwin's Barberry in full sun or partial shade and choose a moist but well-drained soil.

It can tolerate a range of soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand, although flowering and fruiting are generally best in full sun.

Pruning Advice

Darwin's Barberry generally needs little routine pruning, but regular trimming can help maintain a neat hedge and control its size.

For a formal hedge, trim after flowering to maintain the desired shape and encourage a tidy, dense appearance.

If you want to enjoy the blue-black berries, avoid trimming immediately after flowering and prune later in autumn or winter once the fruiting period has finished.

This allows the berries to develop before the hedge is cut back.

For established plants that have become too large or overgrown, Darwin's Barberry responds well to harder pruning.

Major renovation is best carried out in late winter, although this will mean sacrificing flowers and fruit in the following growing season.

When pruning Darwin's Barberry, wear thick, thorn-resistant gloves and suitable protective clothing.

Its spiny stems can make handling and trimming uncomfortable, particularly when working inside a dense hedge.

Further Information

Darwin's Barberry is a versatile evergreen hedging plant that can be used to create a defined boundary or provide screening in a garden. Its dense habit and spiny stems make it particularly useful where a more secure boundary is required, while its spring flowers and autumn berries add seasonal interest.

When planting Darwin's Barberry, choose a position in full sun or partial shade with moist but well-drained soil. Avoid areas where water remains around the roots, as Berberis does not thrive in waterlogged conditions. Flowering and fruiting are generally best when the plant receives plenty of sunlight.

Water newly planted hedging regularly while it establishes, particularly during dry periods. Once established, Darwin's Barberry generally only needs additional watering during prolonged dry spells. An annual mulch can also help retain moisture, suppress weeds and improve the soil around the plants.

Darwin's Barberry can be maintained as a formal hedge or allowed to develop a more natural shape. When planning the planting position, allow sufficient room for the plants to develop while considering the final height and width of the hedge.

FAQs

Is Darwin's Barberry evergreen?

Yes. Darwin's Barberry (Berberis darwinii) is an evergreen shrub, so it retains its foliage throughout the year and provides year-round structure and screening.

Is Darwin's Barberry good for hedging?

Yes. Its dense, bushy growth and spiny stems make it well suited to hedging and screening. It can be used for informal boundaries or maintained as a more defined hedge.

Does Darwin's Barberry flower?

Yes. Darwin's Barberry produces drooping clusters of rich orange flowers in mid to late spring. It can sometimes produce a second flush of flowers in autumn.

How tall does Darwin's Barberry grow?

Berberis darwinii can reach around 2.5–4m if left to grow naturally. For hedging, it can be regularly trimmed and maintained at a more manageable height, such as the 1–2m height listed for the plants on this page.

When should Darwin's Barberry be pruned?

For a formal hedge, Darwin's Barberry is best trimmed after flowering. Alternatively, informal hedges can be pruned in autumn or winter after fruiting if you want to retain the berries for as long as possible.

Delivery & Returns

We offer delivery across the UK mainland, with delivery charges based on the size and type of plants ordered. Free delivery is available on qualifying orders, subject to the minimum order value for the relevant delivery method.

Standard Sized Boxes: Free UK mainland delivery on orders over £100, or £7.99 delivery charge.

Tall Sized Boxes: Free UK mainland delivery on orders over £100, or £14.99 delivery charge.

Pallets: Free UK mainland delivery on orders over £350, or £60 delivery charge.

Pleached Trees: Free UK mainland delivery on orders over £1,500, or £450 delivery charge.

All plants are carefully prepared for dispatch. Please check the applicable delivery and returns terms before placing your order, as these can vary depending on the type and size of plants ordered.

All plants are also covered by our 12-month plant guarantee, giving you added confidence when ordering Darwin's Barberry hedging.

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With over 30+ years in the horticultural industry, Bannister Hall is an award winning UK plants nursery. We are trusted growers and online retailers of everything plants including topiary, trees, hedges, and shrubs, supplying outdoor plants nationwide to homeowners, the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, local authorities, the NHS, landscaping designers, gardeners, contractors, and property developers. From our three privately owned British plants nurseries we offer specialist nationwide delivery of high quality plants at unbeatable prices. Our nurseries can be visited by everyone and you can also shop here online choosing from over 40,000 plant species. We are fully DEFRA compliant and approved by the national 'Plant Healthy Scheme'. Buy Hedges, Trees, Plants & Shrubs Direct Online with Free Delivery and 12 months plants guarantee- Tel. 0330 236 7330.