Mahonia
Mahonia x media
A striking architectural evergreen shrub bearing long sprays of fragrant yellow flowers from November to March, followed by blue-black berries. The pinnate leaves resemble holly and provide bold, year-round structure. Invaluable for winter colour and fragrance in shaded gardens. Thrives in dry shade under trees where many other shrubs struggle. Widely grown across the UK in borders and woodland plantings.
How to grow mahonia
Plant in autumn or spring in a sheltered, partially shaded position. Mahonia tolerates a wide range of soils including heavy clay and dry shade beneath established trees. Dig in organic matter when planting to help with establishment. Water regularly during the first year. Once established, mahonia is remarkably low-maintenance and drought-tolerant. Mulch annually with leaf mould or bark chips. Position near a doorway or path where the lily-of-the-valley scented flowers can be appreciated in winter. The cultivar 'Charity' is the most widely available and produces upright flower sprays up to 30cm long. 'Winter Sun' has denser, more compact flower clusters.
Pruning
Prune after flowering in March or April. If plants become leggy, cut back hard to about 30cm above ground level — they will reshoot from the base. For a bushier plant, remove the growing tip after flowering to encourage branching. Remove any frost-damaged or yellowed leaves. No regular annual pruning is required unless the plant is becoming too tall.
Propagation
- Semi-ripe cuttings in autumn
- Leaf-bud cuttings in autumn
- Seed sown in autumn
Common problems
- Rust causing orange pustules on leaf undersides
- Leaf scorch in exposed windy positions
- Can become leggy with age