About
An erect large evergreen shrub to 3-4m, with long, pinnate leaves with spiny leaflets. Flowers bright yellow, slightly scented, in dense, erect, clustered racemes to 25cm in length from late autumn into winter, followed by blue-black berries.
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, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, North-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height2.5-4 metres
Spread1.5-2.5 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
Native toSW China, Myanmar
FragranceFlower
ToxicityBerries are ornamental, not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
Care notes
CultivationGrows well in moderately fertile, humus-rich soil. Will tolerate full sun if the soil is not too dry. Provide shelter from cold, drying winds. See mahonia cultivation
PruningPruning group 8
PropagationPropagate by seed sown in containers in autumn or as soon as ripe. Stratified seeds germinate freely. Root semi-ripe cuttings in late summer or autumn
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free