About
Mahonia repens, the creeping-rooted barberry, is an upright, suckering, evergreen shrub to about 30 cm with glossy, spiny, wavy-margined leaves. Scented bunches of rounded, deep-yellow flowers are borne in mid to late spring, followed by round, blue-black berries. An excellent low-growing, ground-covering mahonia for a shaded border.
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, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Sand, Loam
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectNorth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitSuckering, Bushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens, City and courtyard gardens, Coastal
Native toWestern N America
FragranceFlower
ToxicityBerries are ornamental, not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
Care notes
CultivationGrow in any well-drained or moist but well-drained soil in shade or partial shade. They will tolerate sun if the soil does not dry out in summer. Good for a woodland setting and groundcover on shady banks or slopes
PruningPruning group 8
PropagationPropagate by seed outdoors in autumn as soon as ripe or by semi-hardwood cuttings from late summer to autumn
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to a rust and powdery mildews