Mahonia aquifolium 'Smaragd'
A compact, evergreen shrub to 60cm tall with upright branches bearing glossy, dark green leaves, bronze when young and turning shades of deep purple and red in winter. Large clusters of densely-packed yellow flowers are borne in spring and followed by blue-black berries
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Neutral, AlkalineColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Yellow | Green Bronze | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | Blue Black | ||
| Autumn | Green | Blue Black | ||
| Winter | Green Red |
Position
- Full shade
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Berberidaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy, Suckering
- 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
Accepted
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
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Coastal
- Wildlife gardens
- Low Maintenance
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
May be susceptible to rust and powdery mildew
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.