© RHS / Mark Winwood

Introducing...

Mahonia

Common name: Oregon grape

Mahonia are tough, spiny-leaved, evergreen shrubs that are versatile garden plants. Early into flower when not much else is flowering, some make good groundcover plants while others are imposing subjects for the back of a border or a woodland garden and they are excellent for shade planting. 

Looks

With shiny leaves, these boldly upright or spreading shrubs have impressive clusters or spikes of fragrant, bright yellow flowers from winter to early spring, followed by juicy-looking purple to black berries in autumn.

Likes

Moist soils that drain well are suitable, preferably in light or deep shade, though full sun is tolerated if the soil is not too dry.

Dislikes

Larger types dislike exposure to cold, drying winds, which can scorch the foliage.

Did you know?

Tall mahonias that become bare at the base are easily restored by cutting back the stems to about 30-60cm (1-2ft) from the ground in late winter to early spring.

Growing guide

Mahonia we recommend

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Useful advice

Shade planting: shrubs

Shade planting: shrubs

Shrubs: evergreen by size

Shrubs: evergreen by size

Shrubs: evergreen for specific situations

Shrubs: evergreen for specific situations

Shade planting: annuals, bulbs and perennials

Shade planting: annuals, bulbs and perennials

Shade gardening

Shade gardening

Shrubs: pruning evergreens

Shrubs: pruning evergreens

Wildlife: helping through winter

Wildlife: helping through winter

Get involved

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