Overview
Mahonia aquifolium Darhil ('Hillary') is a bushy, upright or spreading shrubs in the genus Mahonia, part of the Berberidaceae family, with evergreen, leathery, pinnate leaves, often spine-toothed foliage. Mahonia aquifolium Darhil ('Hillary') grows best in partial shade, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include groundcover, woodland garden and border structure.
About
Mahonia aquifolium Darhil ('Hillary') is a cultivar of Mahonia, a genus of evergreen shrubs known for their tough, pinnate foliage with spiny edges. This bushy plant has an upright or spreading habit and features leathery, spine-toothed leaves. It thrives in partial shade, particularly in north-facing, sheltered spots with fertile, moist but well-drained loam soil of neutral pH. Hardy to UK zone H7, it is suitable for use as groundcover, in woodland gardens, or as border structure. Its season of interest spans spring and summer.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Mahonia
- Sunlight
- Partial shade
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- North-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Mahonia aquifolium Darhil ('Hillary') size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Shrubs
- Habit
- Bushy, upright or spreading
- Foliage
- Evergreen, leathery, pinnate leaves, often spine-toothed
- Suggested uses
- Groundcover, woodland garden, border structure
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Mahonia aquifolium Darhil ('Hillary')
- Propagation
- Semi-ripe cuttings, seed
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Mahonia aquifolium Darhil ('Hillary')?
Mahonia aquifolium Darhil ('Hillary') prefers partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Mahonia aquifolium Darhil ('Hillary') need?
Mahonia aquifolium Darhil ('Hillary') grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Mahonia aquifolium Darhil ('Hillary') hardy in the UK?
Mahonia aquifolium Darhil ('Hillary') has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Mahonia aquifolium Darhil ('Hillary')?
Semi-ripe cuttings, seed.
More in the Mahonia genus
- MahoniaOregon grape
- Mahonia pumiladwarf Oregon grape
- Mahonia x wagneri
- Mahonia 'Pan's Peculiar'Oregon grape 'Pan's Peculiar'
- Mahonia conferta
- Mahonia oiwakensis subsp. oiwakensis
- Mahonia volcania