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Mahonia japonica 'Gold Dust'
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

This upright, evergreen shrub about 2m tall, has large glossy, spiny, yellow or yellowish-green leaves composed of up to 19 leaflets, and sprays of long, pendent lemon-yellow, fragrant flowers from late autumn through the winter to early spring

Synonyms
Mahonia bealei 'Gold Dust'
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Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
10–20 years
Ultimate spread
1–1.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Neutral, Alkaline
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Green
Autumn Yellow Green
Winter Yellow Green
Position
  • Full shade
  • Partial shade
Aspect

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

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
Botanical details
Family
Berberidaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Columnar upright, 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-ripe cuttings

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

Prune every other year to encourage bushy growth - pruning group 8.

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

Get involved

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