Overview
Mahonia x wagneri 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 x wagneri 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 x wagneri is an evergreen shrub cultivar within the Mahonia genus, known for its bushy, upright or spreading habit. It features leathery, pinnate leaves often edged with spines, typical of Mahonia's tough foliage. This cultivar thrives in partial shade, particularly on north-facing, sheltered sites with fertile, moist but well-drained loam soil of neutral pH. Flowering in spring and summer, it produces clusters of yellow flowers, followed by dark berries. Hardy to UK zone H7, it suits woodland gardens, borders, or as groundcover.
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 x wagneri 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 x wagneri
- 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 x wagneri?
Mahonia x wagneri prefers partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Mahonia x wagneri need?
Mahonia x wagneri grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Mahonia x wagneri hardy in the UK?
Mahonia x wagneri 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 x wagneri?
Semi-ripe cuttings, seed.
More in the Mahonia genus
- MahoniaOregon grape

- Mahonia pumiladwarf Oregon grape

- Mahonia 'Pan's Peculiar'Oregon grape 'Pan's Peculiar'
- Mahonia aquifolium Darhil ('Hillary')
- Mahonia conferta
- Mahonia oiwakensis subsp. oiwakensis
- Mahonia volcania