Overview
Mahonia conferta 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 conferta 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 conferta is a cultivar of the Mahonia genus, which comprises evergreen shrubs with tough, pinnate foliage often edged with spines. This bushy plant has an upright or spreading habit and features leathery, evergreen leaves. It thrives best in partial shade, particularly on north-facing, sheltered sites with fertile, well-drained loam soil that is neutral in pH and kept moist. Flowering occurs in spring and summer, contributing to its interest during these seasons. Suitable for use as groundcover or in woodland gardens and borders, it is hardy to UK zone H7 and can be propagated by semi-ripe cuttings or seed.
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 conferta 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 conferta
- 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 conferta?
Mahonia conferta prefers partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Mahonia conferta need?
Mahonia conferta grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Mahonia conferta hardy in the UK?
Mahonia conferta 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 conferta?
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 aquifolium Darhil ('Hillary')
- Mahonia oiwakensis subsp. oiwakensis
- Mahonia volcania