Mahonia × media 'Lionel Fortescue'

RHS Plant Profile

Oregon grape 'Lionel Fortescue'

Synonyms

Mahonia 'Lionel Fortescue'

Shrubs

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A large, upright, evergreen shrub with spiny, pinnate leaves to 45cm in length. Upright racemes of clusters of bright yellow, scented flowers appear in autumn and winter, followed by blue-black berries

Position

Full shade, 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 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: Accepted

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in any well-drained or moist but well-drained soil in shade or partial shade. Good for a woodland setting. See mahonia cultivation for further advice

Propagation

Propagate by semi-ripe cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types

Architectural
Cottage and informal garden
City and courtyard gardens
Coastal
Wildlife gardens
Flower borders and beds

Pruning

pruning group 8

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to a rust and Powdery mildews