About
A vigorous, upright, evergreen shrub or small tree about 7m tall, with large, glossy dark green leaves to 55cm long composed of widely spaced slender leaflets. Small golden-yellow flowers in terminal racemes to 25cm long, appear from autumn to winter, followed by glaucous blue-black fruit.
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 sun, Partial shade, Full 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, Trees
HabitBushy, Columnar upright
FoliageEvergreen
Height4-8 metres
Spread2.5-4 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
Native toTaiwan
ToxicityBerries are ornamental, not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
Care notes
CultivationTolerates a wide range of soil types and positions, but thrives in humus-rich, moist soil in full sun or partial shade with shelter from cold drying winds. See mahonia cultivation
PruningPruning group 8
PropagationPropagate by seed in autumn or soon as ripe, or by semi-ripe cuttings from late summer to autumn
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free