About
Mahonia pallida, the pale Oregon grape, is a multi-stemmed evergreen shrub to about 1.5 m with glossy, green leaves composed of narrow, oval, toothed leaflets, blue-green when young. Small, pale greenish-white flowers in drooping panicles are produced from midsummer to autumn, followed by blue-black fruit with a white bloom. A distinguished and unusual flowering mahonia.
About the genus
Mahonia are evergreen shrubs with bold, leathery, pinnate leaves, often with spine-toothed leaflets, and clustered racemes of small, sometimes fragrant, yellow flowers in late autumn to early spring, sometimes followed by black or purple berries. Popular garden shrubs for shade and structure.
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 hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy, Spreading branched
FoliageEvergreen
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread4-8 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCoastal, 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 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