Berberis darwinii aka Darwin's Barberry

Berberis darwinii, or Darwin’s barberry, is an evergreen shrub. It belongs to the barberry family, Berberidaceae. Its native range includes Chile and southern Argentina. It grows in moist, shaded woods in the Patagonian mountains. Charles Darwin collected it during the Beagle voyage. William Hooker later named the species after him.

In gardens, it grows 5–10 feet [1.5–3 metres] tall. Its usual spread is 4–7 feet [1.2–2.1 metres]. RHS gives larger upper limits of 13 feet [4 metres] each way. Dense branches arch outward from an upright base. Underground runners can spread to form a thicket. The red stems bear thorns split into three to seven points. Small, leathery leaves grow alternately along the shoots. Their glossy tops are dark green, with paler undersides. Spiny leaf edges give them a holly-like look.

Orange-yellow flowers hang in racemes during spring. Missouri Botanical Garden lists March to April as the bloom period. Red tinges mark the buds before they open. Some plants flower again in autumn. Bees and butterflies visit the flowers. Round berries follow, turning dark blue to purple. Their skins have a waxy coating, and birds eat them. The fruit adds colour in summer and autumn.

Grow this shrub in sun or partial shade. Full sun gives the best flower and fruit display. Deeper shade makes its growth less dense and reduces bloom. It accepts clay, loam, sand and chalk with good drainage. Acid, neutral and alkaline soils all suit it. Keep the soil evenly moist for best growth. Established plants withstand some drought and heat. Shelter from cold, drying winter winds helps. Sources place it in USDA zones 7–9, with NC State extending to 10. RHS rates its UK hardiness H5. Use it in borders, coastal gardens, screens or hedges. Trim hedges after bloom; avoid heavy pruning of specimen shrubs.

Deer tend to leave this shrub alone. Aphids, berberis sawfly, powdery mildew and honey fungus can occur. NC State reports invasive growth in California and other countries. Sources disagree about eating the fruit. PFAF describes raw or cooked use, including preserves. RHS warns against eating it and flags risks to pets. NC State notes stomach upset from berries and low-severity bark toxicity. Ingestion can cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea.