Mahonia × media

RHS Plant Profile

Oregon grape hybrid

Shrubs

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Mahonia x media is a large, evergreen, strongly upright shrub with leaves up to 45cm long which are composed of 17 to 21 tough, spiny leaflets. Small, cup-shaped, slightly-scented, yellow flowers are carried at the ends of the branches in clusters of long sprays in autumn and winter, at first upright then spreading. These are followed by oval, black berries

Position

Full shade, Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

2.5-4 metres

Max Spread

2.5-4 metres

Size

Time to Maturity: 10–20 years
Max Spread: 2.5-4 metres
Max Height: 2.5-4 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand

Moisture: Moist but well–drained or Well–drained
pH: Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full shade Full sun Partial shade

Aspect: South–facing or North–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure: Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20): H5

Colour & Scent

Fragrance Flower

Season	Stem	Flower	Foliage	Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family: Berberidaceae
Native to GB/Ireland: 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

pruning group 8

Pests

Generally problem free

Diseases

Generally disease-free