About
Mahonia x media is a large, evergreen, strongly upright shrub with leaves up to 45cm long composed of 17 to 21 tough, spiny leaflets. The small, cup-shaped, slightly-scented, yellow flowers are carried at the ends of the branches in clusters of long sprays, at first upright then spreading, and followed by juicy, oval, black berries.
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
AspectSouth-facing, North-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height2.5-4 metres
Spread2.5-4 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Wildlife gardens
FragranceFlower
ToxicityBerries are ornamental, not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
Care notes
CultivationGrows in most soils and situations. Tolerates shade, and sun if the soil is sufficiently moist. Protect from freezing winds. See mahonia cultivation for further advice
PruningPruning group 8
PropagationPropagate by semi-ripe or leaf bud cuttings in late summer or autumn
Pest resistanceGenerally problem free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free