Mahonia aquifolium 'Apollo'

RHS Plant Profile
Oregon grape 'Apollo'
Award of Garden MeritPlants for pollinators
Shrubs

A vigorous, low, spreading evergreen shrub about 60cm tall, and 90cm wide, with glossy deep green pinnate leaves becoming purplish-bronze in winter. Abundant deep yellow flowers in large clusters, in spring, followed by black berries

Position

Full shade, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

1-1.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
5–10 years
Max Spread
1-1.5 metres
Max Height
0.5-1 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
Aspect
South–facing or North–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H5

Colour & Scent

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
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

  • Wildlife gardens
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Low Maintenance
  • Ground cover

Pruning

Pruning group 8

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to a rust and powdery mildews