Mahonia bealei
Beal's mahonia
M. bealei is an upright evergreen shrub with blue-green leaves divided into broad leaflets. Fragrant pale yellow flowers are produced in short upright racemes to 10cm in length from late autumn to early spring, followed by ovoid, blue-purple berries
Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
1.5–2.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | Yellow | Blue Green | Black Blue | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | Blue Green | |||
Autumn | Yellow | Blue Green | ||
Winter | Yellow | Blue Green | Black Blue |
Position
- Full shade
- Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or East–facing or South–facing or North–facing
Exposure
Exposed or 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
- China
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in any well-drained or moist but well-drained soil, best in shade or partial shade but sun tolerant if the soil is not too dry. Good for a woodland setting
Propagation
Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings or leaf bud cuttings from late summer to autumn
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Architectural
- Cottage and informal garden
- Low Maintenance
- Banks and slopes
Pruning
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
May be susceptible to a rust and powdery mildews
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.