Mahonia japonica

RHS Plant Profile
Japanese mahonia

Synonyms

Mahonia tikushiensis

Award of Garden MeritPlants for pollinators
Shrubs

An erect evergreen shrub to 2m tall, with large, dark green leathery pinnate leaves to 45cm long, with up to 19 sharp-toothed, slender leaflets, and small, fragrant pale yellow flowers in spreading or drooping sprays to 25cm long, from late autumn to early spring, followed by blue-black berries

Position

Full shade, Partial shade, Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

1-1.5 metres

Max Spread

1.5-2.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
10–20 years
Max Spread
1.5-2.5 metres
Max Height
1-1.5 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 Full sun
Aspect
North–facing or West–facing or East–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
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 ornamentalnot 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
Taiwan

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 seed and semi-hardwood cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Architectural
  • Wildlife gardens
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Coastal
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Low Maintenance
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Hedging and screens

Pruning

Pruning group 8

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free