The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Most mahonia shrubs are densely textured with eye-catching, large foliage.
Their leaves look very similar to toothed holly leaves.
Mahonia are often called holly-leaved barberries since they are in the barberry family but look much like holly shrubs.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Mahonia arewell-suited to shady spotsin your yard and are popular as privacy hedges.
North American native woodland plants, mahonias are easy to grow and have an almost tropical look.
Most floral sprays are fragrant golden-yellow in late winter or early spring andattractive to pollinatorslike bees and butterflies.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Plant mahonias in spring or fall when the temperatures are mild.
Is Mahonia the Same as Oregon Grape?
The sturdy foliage provides cover for many small animals.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Mahonia Care
Mahonias are known to be slow-growing, hardy, andlow-maintenance shrubs.
They don’t like to be moved, and appropriate site selection is essential for their success.
Light
Most mahonia can tolerate full sun and heavy shade but thrive in partial shade positions.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Deep shade can result in leggy growth for some species.
They usually do well in sandy, loamy, and clay types and across various pH levels.
The soil just needs to be moist and well-drained.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
They’re typically able to handle temperatures as low as 5 degrees Fahrenheit.
Fertilizer
These plants don’t need a rigorous regime of fertilization.
Types of Mahonia
Around 70 species are in the Mahonia genus, with more cultivars and hybrids.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Pruning
Mahonias do not have a demanding pruning regime.
you’re able to also help retain a tidy look by thinning out crowded branches.
It’s also good tocontrol any plant suckersthat sprout from this slow and steady grower.
You might want to remove these if you don’t want the space overcrowded with mahonias.
For best success, grow it in the ground with plenty of space for it to spread.
Common Plant Diseases
Mahonias are robust species; pests and serious diseases aren’t common problems.
They can sometimes suffer fromrustorpowdery mildew(which causes brown spots on the foliage).
While neither is typically fatal, they can cause curling, withering, or dropping leaves.
Fungicides can be used if the problem is difficult to control.Mahonia aquifoliumis particularly susceptible to rust.
The leaves of many mahonia species look similar tohollywith their serrated, rich green foliage.
But unlike holly, mahonia is in the barberry family and is related.
Holly berries are toxic; meanwhile, barberries are considered non-toxic.
Mahonia growth rates depend on the species you select, but they’re typically slow and steady growers.
While mahonia will tolerate a full-sun location if well watered, mahonia thrives in partial shade.
Evergreens for the Shade.University of Florida IFAS Extension.
Leatherleaf Mahonia.Invasive Plant Atlas of the United States.
