About
Mahonia bealei, Beal's mahonia, is an evergreen shrub to about 2 m with blue-green leaves divided into broad leaflets. Perfumed, pale-yellow flowers in short, upright racemes to 10 cm are produced from late autumn to early spring, followed by ovoid, blue-purple berries. A bold and ornamental winter-flowering shrub for a sheltered, shaded garden.
About the genus
Mahonia are evergreen shrubs with bold, leathery, pinnate leaves, often with spine-toothed leaflets, and clustered racemes of small, sometimes fragrant, yellow flowers in late autumn to early spring, sometimes followed by black or purple berries. Popular garden shrubs for shade and structure.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull shade, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectWest-facing, East-facing, South-facing, North-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread1.5-2.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Wildlife gardens
Native toChina
FragranceFlower
ToxicityBerries are ornamental, not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
Care notes
CultivationGrow in humus-rich moist but well-drained soil, suited to full or partial shade in a sheltered position but tolerant of sun if soil is not too dry. See mahonia cultivation for further information
PruningPruning group 8
PropagationPropagate by semi-hardwood cuttings or leaf bud cuttings from late summer to autumn
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free