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Mahonia nitens
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

An evergreen shrub to around 1.2m tall with glossy green, spiny pinnate leaves that emerge coppery-red when young. Yellow autumn flowers borne in upright racemes emerge from red buds and are followed by dark blue fruits in winter

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Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
5–10 years
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Brown Red Green
Summer Green
Autumn Yellow Green
Winter Green Blue
Position
  • Full shade
  • Partial shade
Aspect

East–facing or North–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
Botanical details
Family
Berberidaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Bushy
Potentially harmful
Berries are ornamental, not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
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

Name status

Correct

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in any well-drained or moist but well-drained soil in partial or deeper shade. It will tolerate a sunny position if the soil is not too dry. See mahonia cultivation

Propagation

Propagate by seed or by semi-ripe cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Low Maintenance
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

Pruning group 8

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to a rust and powdery mildews

Get involved

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