Overview
Mahonia volcania 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 volcania 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
Mahonia volcania is an evergreen shrub cultivar within the Mahonia genus, known for its tough, pinnate foliage with spiny edges. It has a bushy, upright or spreading habit and thrives in partial shade, particularly on north-facing, sheltered aspects. This cultivar prefers fertile, well-drained loam soil with a neutral pH and consistent moisture. Flowering in spring and summer, it produces clusters of yellow flowers, often followed by dark berries. Hardy to UK zone H7, Mahonia volcania is suitable for use as groundcover, in woodland gardens, or as a border structure.
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 volcania 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 volcania
- 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 volcania?
Mahonia volcania prefers partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Mahonia volcania need?
Mahonia volcania grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Mahonia volcania hardy in the UK?
Mahonia volcania 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 volcania?
Semi-ripe cuttings, seed.
More in the Mahonia genus
- MahoniaOregon grape
- Mahonia pumiladwarf Oregon grape
- Mahonia x wagneri
- Mahonia 'Pan's Peculiar'Oregon grape 'Pan's Peculiar'
- Mahonia aquifolium Darhil ('Hillary')
- Mahonia conferta
- Mahonia oiwakensis subsp. oiwakensis