Other Names:  Michay Barberry

Description:

A compact, evergreen, dense, spiny shrub with deep green glossy foliage beneath clusters of golden-orange flowers in spring, followed by blue-black fruit in fall; perfect for a mixed shrub border and makes a good low hedge

Ornamental Features

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

Landscape Attributes

Compact Darwin's Barberry is a dense multi-stemmed evergreen shrub with an upright spreading habit of growth. It lends an extremely fine and delicate texture to the landscape composition which should be used to full effect.

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

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

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

Planting & Growing

Compact Darwin's Barberry will grow to be about 3 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 3 feet. It has a low canopy with a typical clearance of 2 feet from the ground. 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 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 is a selected variety of a species not originally from North America.