Mahonia × media
Oregon grape hybrid
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
Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
2.5–4 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Yellow | Green | ||
| Winter | Yellow | Green |
Position
- Full shade
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or North–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical 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
Grows 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
Propagation
Propagate by semi-ripe or leaf bud cuttings in late summer or autumn
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- City and courtyard gardens
- Coastal
- Wildlife gardens
- Flower borders and beds
- Hedging and screens
Pruning
Pests
Generally problem free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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