Berberis darwinii was discovered by Charles Darwin, this is one of the best flowering evergreens. The dense thicket of stems growing from ground level make a substantial border shrub as well as an effective hedge, reinforced by its thorniness, which makes it useful for security. In addition, orange flowers are carried in spring, and small purple-black berries in autumn. It is equally impressive grown in full sun or partial shade, against a wall or in an exposed position. Clip fairly hard in spring to limit the size.