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

Mahonia × media 'Home Wood'
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

An evergreen shrub with an upright habit and dramatic foliage. Pinnate leaves are up to 70cm long, divided into pairs of spiny, slightly glossy, dark green leaflets. Small, slightly fragrant yellow flowers are borne in ascending clusters to 35cm long in late autumn and winter, followed by blue-black berries

Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metres
Time to ultimate height
10–20 years
Ultimate spread
2.5–4 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Green
Autumn Yellow Green
Winter Yellow Green Black
Position
  • Full shade
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

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

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
Botanical details
Family
Berberidaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Bushy, Columnar upright
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 soil in partial or deep shade; will tolerate a sunny position if the soil is not too dry. Mahonia appreciate an annual mulch with well-rotted manure or garden compost in autumn. Water in very dry periods – water well if needed but not often. See mahonia cultivation

Propagation

Propagate by semi-ripe cuttings from late summer to autumn

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Architectural
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Coastal
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

Minimal pruning required, see pruning group 8

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to rust diseases

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.