About
An upright evergreen shrub to 4m tall, with pinnate dark green leaves composed of up to 21 lance-shaped leaflets, and small, slightly aromatic, cup-shaped yellow flowers borne in erect, clustered terminal racemes to 35cm long in late autumn and winter.
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 sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectNorth-facing, South-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 usesCity and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
FragranceFlower
ToxicityBerries are ornamental, not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
Care notes
CultivationGood for a woodland setting in a sheltered or exposed situation with full sun or partial shade. See mahonia cultivation for further advice
PruningPruning group 8
PropagationPropagate by semi-ripe cuttings
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free