Overview
Mahonia pumila is a bushy, upright or spreading shrubs in the genus Mahonia, part of the Berberidaceae family, with evergreen, leathery, pinnate leaves, often spine-toothed foliage. Mahonia pumila grows best in partial shade, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include groundcover, woodland garden and border structure.
About
Berberis pumila is a species of shrub native to the Siskiyou Mountains of southwestern Oregon and northwestern California. It is found in open woods and rocky areas at an altitude of 300–1,200 m (980–3,940 ft), often on serpentine soils. Berberis pumila is evergreen, rarely more than 40 cm tall. It has compound leaves and dark blue berries. Grow it in partial shade and loam soil. In UK gardens it is fully hardy throughout the UK (RHS H7). It works well for groundcover, woodland garden and border structure. It tolerates neutral soils, moist but well-drained conditions and north-facing aspects. Plant in well-drained soil in sun or partial shade.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Berberis pumila
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Mahonia
- Sunlight
- Partial shade
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- North-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Mahonia pumila size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Shrubs
- Habit
- Bushy, upright or spreading
- Foliage
- Evergreen, leathery, pinnate leaves, often spine-toothed
- Suggested uses
- Groundcover, woodland garden, border structure
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Mahonia pumila
- Propagation
- Semi-ripe cuttings, seed
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Mahonia pumila?
Mahonia pumila prefers partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Mahonia pumila need?
Mahonia pumila grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Mahonia pumila hardy in the UK?
Mahonia pumila has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Mahonia pumila?
Semi-ripe cuttings, seed.
More in the Mahonia genus
- MahoniaOregon grape
- Mahonia x wagneri
- Mahonia 'Pan's Peculiar'Oregon grape 'Pan's Peculiar'
- Mahonia aquifolium Darhil ('Hillary')
- Mahonia conferta
- Mahonia oiwakensis subsp. oiwakensis
- Mahonia volcania