Not the plant you're looking for? Search over 300,000 plants

Mahonia japonica 'Hivernant'
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

Japanese mahonia 'Hivernant'

A substantial, upright, evergreen shrub with large leaves comprising 15 spiny leaflets, dark green in colour with yellow markings towards the base and sometimes turning red in cold spells. Small, pale yellow, scented flowers are carried on long, spreading sprays from early winter, followed by blue-black berries with a white bloom

Synonyms
Mahonia japonica 'Hiemalis'

Join the RHS

Become an RHS Member today and save 25% on your first year

Join now
Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
10–20 years
Ultimate spread
1.5–2.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Yellow Green Yellow Blue Black
Summer Green Yellow Blue Black
Autumn Green Yellow Red
Winter Yellow Green Yellow Red
Position
  • Full shade
  • Partial shade
  • Full sun
Aspect

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

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
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

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-hardwood cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Architectural
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Low Maintenance
  • Hedging and screens
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

Pruning group 8

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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.