How to Grow and Care for Darwin's barberry

Darwin's barberry, also known as Darwin's berberis, Michay

Darwin's barberry is recognized for its resilience and low maintenance, making it suitable for gardeners seeking an easy-care shrub. It thrives in well-draining soil and tolerates various lighting conditions, although it prefers full sun for optimal flowering. Special care points include occasional pruning for shape and to encourage new growth, plus ensuring it is not subjected to waterlogged conditions as this can lead to root rot.

Watering schedule: Every 2 weeks

Sunlight Requirements: Full sun

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Planting and Growing Darwin's barberry

Toughness	High
Care Level	Low
Care Difficulty	Easy
Lifespan	Perennial
Watering Schedule	Every 2 weeks
Sunlight Requirements	Full sun
Soil Type	Garden Soil
Soil pH	5-6.5
Planting Time	Spring, Fall
Hardiness Zones	7-10

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Varieties of Darwin's barberry

Darwin's barberry 'Apricot Queen'

Darwin's barberry 'Apricot Queen' is a barberry hybrid that produces an unusually rich growth of the lovely apricot-colored flowers for which it is named. These flowers brighten springtime gardens and further interest is provided by the dark purple fruit that appears in fall.

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More General Info About Darwin's barberry

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Quickly Identify Darwin's barberry

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Darwin's barberry is an evergreen shrub with a distinctive fountain-like, densely branched form. Its growth can reach up to 10 feet (3 meters) in height. The plant is adorned with vibrant yellow-orange flowers that contribute to its ornamental appeal. The foliage is broadleaf, and it has a robust branching pattern. The shrub thrives in both full sun and partial shade environments and once established, shows a notable tolerance to drought and heat. Branches should be pruned to remove only the dead or irregular parts to retain the plant’s natural form. Darwin's barberry is a rhizomatous species, capable of producing basal sprouts and potentially growing into thick formations.