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
How to grow mahonia
All the information you need to grow and care for mahonias in your garden
Mahonia we recommend
Mahonia oiwakensis subsp. lomariifolia
lomaria-leaved mahonia
- 2.5–4 metres
- 1.5–2.5 metres
Mahonia × media 'Charity'
Oregon grape 'Charity'
- 2.5–4 metres
- 2.5–4 metres
Mahonia × media 'Lionel Fortescue'
Oregon grape 'Lionel Fortescue'
- 2.5–4 metres
- 2.5–4 metres
Mahonia oiwakensis subsp. lomariifolia
lomaria-leaved mahonia
- 2.5–4 metres
- 1.5–2.5 metres
Mahonia × media 'Charity'
Oregon grape 'Charity'
- 2.5–4 metres
- 2.5–4 metres
Mahonia × media 'Lionel Fortescue'
Oregon grape 'Lionel Fortescue'
- 2.5–4 metres
- 2.5–4 metres
Useful advice
Shade planting: shrubs
Shrubs: evergreen by size
Shrubs: evergreen for specific situations
Shade planting: annuals, bulbs and perennials
Shade gardening
Shrubs: pruning evergreens
Wildlife: helping through winter
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.