Troubleshooting
Darwin's Barberry problems — and how to fix them
Darwin's Barberry (Berberis darwinii) is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Berberis sawfly
Larvae can rapidly defoliate sections of the shrub; inspect in summer and treat early with appropriate insecticide or by hand-picking.
Powdery mildew
Can occur in hot, dry spells; improve airflow by thinning congested growth.
Bird damage to berries
Berries are highly attractive to birds, which also spread seeds; net if berry display is desired or to control self-seeding.
Frost damage to flowers
Early spring flowers can be damaged by late frosts; plant in a sheltered spot in colder gardens.
Prevent darwin's barberry problems before they start
Most darwin's barberry issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Darwin's Barberry problems — FAQ
Why is my darwin's barberry berberis sawfly?
Larvae can rapidly defoliate sections of the shrub; inspect in summer and treat early with appropriate insecticide or by hand-picking.
Why is my darwin's barberry powdery mildew?
Can occur in hot, dry spells; improve airflow by thinning congested growth.
Why is my darwin's barberry bird damage to berries?
Berries are highly attractive to birds, which also spread seeds; net if berry display is desired or to control self-seeding.
Why is my darwin's barberry frost damage to flowers?
Early spring flowers can be damaged by late frosts; plant in a sheltered spot in colder gardens.