Mahonia leschenaultii

Plants for pollinators
Shrubs

This species is from South India, a large shrub or small tree in the wild, to 2m tall in the UK, with corky bark and dark green leaves 48cm long with glossy spiny leaflets, and long upright or ascending racemes of fragrant, yellow flowers in late autumn or early winter, and followed by small purple fruit

Position

Full shade, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Size

Time to Maturity
5–10 years

Growing Conditions

Chalk Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained or Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full shade Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H3

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, Spreading branched
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
India

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. May need winter frost protection, best suited to southern counties and inner city locations, or a cold greenhouse. See mahonia cultivation for further information

Propagation

Propagate by seed or semi-ripe cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Architectural
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Coastal
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Mediterranean climate plants
  • Patio and container plants
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Low Maintenance
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Wall side borders
  • Conservatory and greenhouse

Pruning

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

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free