Mahonia or 'Oregon Grapes' are a fantastic winter flowering, cold tolerant evergreen shrub or tree. Mahonia leaves resemble holly and the fruits look like grapes, however Mahonia are not related to either. Taller growing Mahonia are an excellent choice for the rear of the border, while shorter and prostrate forms are useful in a range of landscape situations. In general, the root systems of Mahonia do not seem to be overly invasive.
Mahonia aquifolium, grows about 1m or 2 to 3 feet tall.
Mahonia bealii will grow to 3m or 8 to 10 feet.
Mahonia repens is a dwarf variety growing to about 1/3m or 12in. This mahonia is a slow growing
,dwarf suckering shrub with great yellow flowers in late winter early spring. Mahonia repens works well as a ground cover, (shade or semi-shade)
Mahonia prefer a humus rich but well drained soil, all Mahonia grow best in dapppled or light shade and can be fertilzed with same fertilizer used for Azaleas and Rhododendrons. |
