Mahonia

A useful evergreen for decks and patios.

Mahonia grows slowly and may reach a height of three to six feet and a spread of three to five feet. It grows as an irregular grouping of upright stems.

Mahonia or Oregon grape, as it is often called, is a member of the barberry family and a native of the Orient. It is an attractive broadleaf evergreen which is useful in many landscapes.

An accent plant…

Mahonia is a popular accent plant for foundations, and it has recently been featured as a container plant for use on patios and decks.

Mahonia grows slowly and may reach a height of three to six feet and a spread of three to five feet. It grows as an irregular grouping of upright stems.

Mahonia has bright yellow flowers, which bloom in late fall or winter followed by bluish black fruit.

Plant in shade or partial shade…

You should plant mahonia in shade or at least partial shade, such as that found on the north or east side of buildings.

Mahonia grows well in most soils, but it does require good drainage. The soil should have a pH of 6.5 to 7. Because of this relatively high pH, mahonia is not recommended for planting with azaleas or camellias, which need a lower pH.

Pruning…

Prune mahonias by removing one-third of the older, taller canes to within 3 to 4 inches of the ground. Pruning should be done in spring and may only be needed every 3 to 4 years.

For more information on mahonia; contact your local County Extension Office.