About
A vigorous, upright, evergreen shrub or small tree about 3-4m tall, with glossy dark green leaves, coppery when young, and 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 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, Trees
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height2.5-4 metres
Spread1.5-2.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
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 semi-ripe cuttings from late summer to autumn
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free