Pot Grown Darwins Barberry
(Berberis darwinii)

We've dedicated time and care into growing your pot grown plant so it arrives looking stunningly new and healthy.

As well as pretty flowers, and rich green foliage, Darwins Barberry also produces blue-purple-coloured berries, and if you are lucky, a second round of flowers. The berries are also popular with wildlife, and often eaten by the birds. However, besides all this, most people recognise the Darwins Barberry hedge for its lovely Spring bursts of colour and prickly green foliage.

The Berberis darwinii really is the perfect hedge for many garden needs. It is an easy hedge to grow, even in the harshest conditions, and produces pleasant nodding flowers, with the dark green leaves turning a rusty-red, even though it is evergreen! As well as this, the prickly foliage is ideal for keeping intruders away, and it is perfect for providing year-round interest and colour to your garden.

The Darwins Barberry is tolerant to most soil types- normal soil is likely to help the plant thrive to its best. It can be placed in exposed/inland sites and can even survive in coastal surroundings. However, it is important to acknowledge that the plant will grow best in a semi-shady aspect.

• Growth height: Average (20-40cm per year)
• Ideal height:2.5m+ Tall
• Soil Type: Normal
• Exposure: Coastal, Exposed, Inland
• Aspect: Semi-shade
• Evergreen foliage? Yes

As it is pot grown, you can easily leave the plant in its pot for a few days/weeks before planting it. Just make sure you keep the plant well-watered, and it gets enough sun. Don't leave it for too long, however, as you don't want the roots becoming root bound.

Berberis darwinii is rather fast growing and will even make it to 3m high if you do not keep an eye on it- it is easier to maintain at about 1.5m, though. Pruning is simple; just cut back any branches that have got too long or neaten it up a bit to keep it in shape (once the berries have fallen off/been eaten in Autumn). Any pruning must be done straight after the flowering period, however.

1. Prepare the soil by mixing in some compost. Dig the hole- this will have to be about twice the width of the root system, but the same depth.
2. Remove the plant from its pot by placing one hand on the base of the plant, and the other at the bottom of the pot. Wriggle the pot away gently.
3. Untangle the roots a little as they may be clumped together.
4. Place the plant into the hole, ensuring the base of the stem is level with the surface of the soil. Follow this with backfilling the hole with your soil mix, and patting down lightly to secure.
5. When you're done, thoroughly water the plant. Ensure you regularly water throughout its first year, as the plant needs plenty to be able to settle down, recover, and establish.