About
A small evergreen shrub, to around 1m high, with narrow, pinnate leaves to 35cm long, divided into pairs of glossy dark green leaflets, each 1-3cm long with a sharply pointed tip. Small, sweetly scented yellow flowers are borne in clusters to 13cm long in autumn, followed by blue-black berries. Leaves are reddish bronze when young.
About the genus
Mahonia are evergreen shrubs with leathery, pinnate leaves which are often spine-toothed, and clustered racemes of sometimes fragrant yellow flowers, sometimes followed by black or purple berries
Growing conditions
SunlightFull shade, Full sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesArchitectural, City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Wildlife gardens
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
PruningMinimal pruning required, see pruning group 8
PropagationPropagate by semi-ripe cuttings from late summer to autumn
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free