Overview
Mahonia japonica 'Bealei' is a bushy, upright, spreading shrub in the genus Mahonia, part of the Berberidaceae family, with evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 2.0 m tall. Mahonia japonica 'Bealei' grows best in full sun and full shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include screening, groundcover and border structure. It is native to Taiwan.
About
Berberis japonica is a species of flowering plant in the family Berberidaceae, native to Taiwan. Despite the name, it is not native to Japan, though it has been known in cultivation there for centuries.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Berberis japonica
About the genus
Mahonia is a formerly accepted genus of approximately 70 species of shrubs or, rarely, small trees with evergreen leaves in the family Berberidaceae, native to eastern Asia, the Himalaya, North America, and Central America. They are closely related to the genus Berberis and as of 2023 the majority of botanical sources list it as a synonym for Berberis.
Wikipedia contributors, "Mahonia", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Mahonia
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Mahonia
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Full shade
- Soil type
- Sandy, Loamy, Clay
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, North-facing, East-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Mahonia japonica 'Bealei' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Shrub
- Habit
- Bushy, Upright, Spreading
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 2.0 m
- Suggested uses
- Screening, Groundcover, Border structure
- Native to
- Taiwan
- Fragrance
- Fragrant flowers
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Mahonia japonica 'Bealei'
- Cultivation
- Prefers partial shade but tolerates full sun; well-drained soil; drought tolerant once established
- Pruning
- Prune after flowering to maintain shape and remove old stems
- Propagation
- Seed, Semi-hardwood cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Mahonia japonica 'Bealei'?
Prefers partial shade but tolerates full sun; well-drained soil; drought tolerant once established.
Where is the best place to plant Mahonia japonica 'Bealei'?
Mahonia japonica 'Bealei' prefers full sun and full shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Mahonia japonica 'Bealei' need?
Mahonia japonica 'Bealei' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How do I prune Mahonia japonica 'Bealei'?
Prune after flowering to maintain shape and remove old stems.
How big does Mahonia japonica 'Bealei' grow?
Mahonia japonica 'Bealei' reaches a height of 2.0 m.
Is Mahonia japonica 'Bealei' hardy in the UK?
Mahonia japonica 'Bealei' 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 japonica 'Bealei'?
Seed, Semi-hardwood cuttings.