Darwin's Barberry Berberis darwinii 'Compacta'
ABOUT
Berberis darwinii 'Compacta', commonly known as Darwin's Barberry, is an evergreen shrub that stands out for its dense and bushy appearance. It boasts small, glossy, and dark green leaves that are holly-like in shape, with spiny edges that can deter browsing animals. The foliage can exhibit reddish tones, particularly on the new growth, adding ornamental interest throughout the year. In spring, Darwin's Barberry is adorned with vibrant orange flowers that are bell-shaped and hang in small clusters. These attractive blossoms are not only eye-catching but also emit a pleasing fragrance, which can attract pollinators like bees and butterflies. Following the flowering period, the plant produces small, bluish-black berries that are favored by birds. These berries, along with the spiny foliage, offer additional seasonal interest and make Darwin's Barberry 'Compacta' a plant that supports local wildlife while providing year-round visual appeal in the landscape. Its dense habit makes it an excellent choice for use as a hedge or screen, and its robust nature allows it to withstand a variety of conditions, enhancing its versatility in garden design. Overall, Darwin's Barberry 'Compacta' is a low-maintenance and hardy choice for gardeners looking to add texture, color, and wildlife value to their outdoor spaces.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Berberidaceae.
Synonyms
Darwin's Barberry, Compact Darwin's Barberry, Dwarf Darwin's Barberry.
Common names
Berberis darwinii 'Compacta'.
ToxicityTo humans
Darwin's barberry has certain alkaloids, such as berberine, which can be harmful if ingested in significant quantities. Generally, these alkaloids may cause gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps if the plant parts are eaten. While the plant is not considered highly toxic to humans, it is still advisable to avoid ingesting it to prevent these unpleasant symptoms.
To pets
Darwin's barberry contains alkaloids that can cause toxicity in pets if ingested. Just like in humans, the ingestion of parts of the plant can lead to gastrointestinal upset in animals. Pets may exhibit symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and possible lethargy. It is important to keep an eye on pets around this plant and consult a veterinarian if there are signs of poisoning.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters)
Spread
2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
7
Native area
South America
Benefits
General Benefits- Attractive Foliage - The plant has dense, glossy green leaves which remain evergreen, providing year-round interest.
- Spring Blossoms - Produces vibrant orange-yellow flowers in the spring, adding a splash of color to gardens.
- Compact Growth - 'Compacta' has a smaller, more compact form, making it suitable for smaller gardens or limited spaces.
- Drought Tolerance - Once established, it can tolerate periods of dryness, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Low Maintenance - This cultivar requires minimal pruning and care, making it an easy option for busy gardeners.
- Wildlife Support - The flowers provide nectar for bees and other pollinators, while the berries can be a food source for birds.
Medical Properties- Antibacterial: Contains berberine, which is known for its antibacterial properties.
- Antifungal: Demonstrates antifungal activities, effective against certain fungal strains.
- Anti-inflammatory: Potentially reduces inflammation, owing to the presence of specific alkaloids.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Dye Production: The berries of Berberis darwinii 'Compacta', or Darwin's Barberry, can be used to create natural dyes for fabric and wool, offering a range of shades from yellow to deep orange.
- Photography: The intense colors of Darwin's Barberry's flowers and berries can be subjects for botanical photography, aiding in raising awareness for plant diversity and garden aesthetics.
- Hedge Creation: Due to its dense growth and thorny branches, Darwin's Barberry can be cultivated as a hedge to provide privacy and act as a barrier against intruders or animals.
- Insect Habitat: This plant can be used to create a habitat that fosters beneficial insects, such as native bees, which pollinate other plants in the garden.
- Erosion Control: The robust root system of Darwin's Barberry helps stabilize soil on slopes and embankments, preventing erosion and landslides.
- Garden Sculpting: Pruning Darwin's Barberry into various shapes can add structural interest to the landscape, allowing gardeners to practice topiary art.
- Bird Attraction: Birds are attracted to the berries, making Darwin's Barberry a useful plant for bird watchers and to support avian biodiversity.
- Seasonal Interest: Its evergreen leaves and seasonal flowers and fruits provide year-round visual interest in gardens, contributing to the aesthetic value of a landscape.
- Study Species: Darwin's Barberry can be used in studies of plant morphology and adaptation, as it is a good example of a plant that has successfully adapted to different climates.
- Culinary Experiments: While not commonly known for culinary use, the sour-tasting berries may be used experimentally in making jellies or syrups, provided they are free of harmful substances.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiDarwin's Barberry is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityDarwin's Barberry is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Protection: Berberis darwinii 'Compacta', commonly known as Darwin's Barberry, has sharp thorns which have led to its association with protection, suggesting that it can safeguard and ward off negative energies.
- Adaptability: Darwin's Barberry is noted for its ability to thrive in various soil types and climates. This versatility symbolizes the capacity to adapt and survive in different environments and circumstances.
- Resilience: The plant's hardiness and ability to recover from challenging conditions make it a symbol of resilience and the capability to withstand and bounce back from adversity.
- Vibrancy: The bright yellow to orange flowers of Darwin's Barberry represent vibrancy, energy, and the celebration of life’s vivid moments.
WaterDarwin's Barberry 'Compacta' requires moderate watering, generally once a week with about 1 to 1.5 gallons of water. During hot, dry spells, this may increase to twice a week, but always check the soil moisture first; it should be moist but not waterlogged. Reduce watering in the winter to every two weeks or less, depending on the rainfall and temperature. It's best to water deeply and less frequently to encourage strong root growth.
LightFor optimal growth, Darwin's Barberry 'Compacta' prefers full sun to partial shade. It thrives best in a location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Avoid deep shade as it can lead to sparse foliage and fewer flowers. An east or west-facing spot that offers some afternoon shade is ideal in areas with very hot summers.
TemperatureDarwin's Barberry 'Compacta' can withstand a range of temperatures, ideally thriving between 50°F and 75°F. It's capable of surviving minimum temperatures down to around 0°F. However, it may experience stress or damage if exposed to temperatures above 85°F for prolonged periods. Ensure the plant is mulched to regulate soil temperature.
PruningPrune Darwin's Barberry 'Compacta' to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth, ideally in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Dead or damaged branches can be removed anytime. Pruning should be done annually, or biannually for vigorous or overgrown plants.
CleaningAs needed
SoilDwarf Darwin's Barberry requires well-draining soil mixed with organic matter, such as compost and peat moss, and a pH range from slightly acidic to neutral (pH 5.5 to 7.5) for optimal growth.
RepottingDwarf Darwin's Barberry does not need frequent repotting; do it every 2 to 3 years in the spring to refresh the soil and allow root growth.
Humidity & MistingDwarf Darwin's Barberry thrives best in moderate humidity levels but is tolerant of a wide range, not requiring any special humidity adjustments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright light, pot with drainage, and room to grow.
Outdoor
Plant in sun to part-shade; mulch well and shelter from harsh winds.
Hardiness zone
7-9 USDA
Life cycleDarwin's Barberry 'Compacta' begins its life cycle as a seed, which after germination, sprouts into a seedling with characteristic small, spiny leaves. This evergreen shrub then enters a juvenile vegetative stage where rapid growth occurs, forming a dense, compact habit with dark green, glossy foliage. Following the juvenile phase, the plant matures and starts flowering, typically in early spring, producing vibrant orange flowers. After pollination, these flowers develop into small, blue-black, edible berries by late summer or autumn, which serve as a food source for birds and facilitate seed dispersal. The mature shrub can continue to flower and produce fruit annually for many years. Eventually, the plant reaches senescence, where growth slows and it becomes less productive before it dies.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: The most popular method of propagation for the Berberis darwinii 'Compacta', commonly known as Darwin's Barberry, is through semi-hardwood cuttings. This typically takes place in the late summer when the growth has begun to mature yet still retains some flexibility. A cutting should be about 4 to 6 inches long (10 to 15 centimeters) and include several leaf nodes. Stripping the bottom leaves and possibly dipping the cut end into a rooting hormone can increase the chances of successful rooting. The cuttings should then be placed in a moist, well-draining potting mix, and covered with a plastic bag or placed in a propagator to maintain humidity. It's important to keep them in a warm area with indirect light until roots have developed, which can take several weeks to a few months.
