Mahonia gracilipes
slender Oregon grape
A low-growing, small evergreen shrub, about 1m tall, with large leaves to 40cm long with 7 leaflets edged with spines, and as they emerge are flushed with burgundy, and have a white waxy covering beneath. Small bell-shaped, purple-red flowers, appearing in later summer to autumn are creamy-white on the inside, followed by bloomy black fruits on red stalks
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Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
1–1.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Red | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Purple Red Yellow | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full shade
- Partial shade
- Full sun
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
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
- Plant range
- SW China
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in humus-rich moist but well-drained soil, suited to full or partial shade in a sheltered position but tolerant of sun if soil is not too dry. See mahonia cultivation for further information
Propagation
Propagate by seed or semi-ripe cuttings
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Architectural
- Low Maintenance
- Banks and slopes
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Prune every other year to encourage bushy growth - pruning group 8.
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
May be susceptible to rust diseases and Powdery mildews, especially in dry weather.
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