Grown for the bright yellow flowers, and attractive deep green foliage Mahonia are a good plant for many landscaping situations. One of the main attraction is the foliage, wonderful texture year round which is a welcome addition to any garden. Most species will reach to around 2m in height and the spiny foliage is a standout.
Underused in Australian gardens, these are a plant that offer texture through the foliage, and colour in winter with good bright yellow flowers.
These are a group of winter flowering plants and are grown as shrubs or small trees. They are broad-leaved evergreens, with holly like leaves, with a number species and cultivars available for sale ranging from 40cm to 3m, they are a versatile shrub, uses include hedging plants
How To Grow Mahonia – Basic Care
Low maintenance and slow growth rate are two wonderful attributes of Mahonia species.
Mahonia prefer semi shade and moist soil but are a tough plant and will tolerate harsher conditions. All species can be pruned to control size. Mahonia flowers are followed by bluish black berries, sometimes used as a jelly.
Light/Sun
Full sun to part shade is important for good flowering, Mahonia will grow in heavy shade however flowering and growth rate will be restricted. Our recommendation is part shade to very good filtered or dappled light.
Soil
Generally these ar a plant toleant of a range of soils as long as they are well drained. For best growth a humus rich well drained soil is preferred.
Watering
Once established these are regarded as being drought tolerant, in all but the driest conditions they will require very little extra water.
Fertiliser
In good soils with a regular application of mulch in spring little extra fertiliser will be required. A slow release organic type fertiliser applied in spring can increase growth rate especially in poor soils.
Pruning
Besides a tidy up of damages stems no regular pruning is required. Older plant can be hard pruned to rejuvenate the plant if needed.
Plants can also be thinned for appearance is desired.
These are not a large plant and can easily find a place in most gardens, grow them for the foliage, or for the winter flowers, they are rewarding and easy care.
Summary Information.
- Height – 1 to 2 metres for most varieties, some taller.
- Width – 1 metre plus
- Flowers – Yellow
- Flowering Time – Winter
- Foliage – Evergreen
- Frost tolerant – Yes
- Drought tolerant – Yes
You may also be interested in these Mahonia Varieties
- M. lomariifolia
- M. nepaulensis – This is a rare species from Nepal, taller growing than most.
- M. aquifolium – The Oregon Grape.
- M. fortunei
- M.repens – Creeping Oregon Grape
- M.bealei is popular however regarded as somewhat invasive.
- M. japonica
- M. x wagneri moseri
Mahonia plants are available for sale form the following nurseries
412 James Lane, Fern Hill VIC. 3458 - Phone 0419002651
Large range of Rare plants, Climbers, Bulbs, Perennials Fruit Trees, Ornamental Trees and Shrubs. Available both Retail and by Mail Order
www.whitehousenursery.com.au