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Shrubs

Mahonia microphylla
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

A small evergreen shrub, to around 1m high, with narrow, pinnate leaves to 35cm long, divided into pairs of glossy dark green leaflets, each 1-3cm long with a sharply pointed tip. Leaves are reddish bronze when young. Small, sweetly scented yellow flowers are borne in clusters to 13cm long in autumn, followed by blue-black berries

Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 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 Green
Summer Green
Autumn Yellow Green
Winter Green Blue Black
Position
  • Full shade
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H4
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

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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 semi-ripe cuttings from late summer to autumn

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Architectural
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

Minimal pruning required, see pruning group 8

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

Get involved

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