An architectural evergreen with bold ruffs of spiny holly-like leaflets and upright sprays of fragrant yellow flowers in winter, followed by blue berries. Superb for shady feature planting.
At a glance
- Plant type: Shrub
- Mature size: 2.5 m H × 2 m W
- Aspect: part shade or morning sun and shade and low-light positions
- Water: regular, moderate watering
- Frost: hardy
- Maintenance: low maintenance
- Origin: Exotic
About Mahonia
Mahonia x media 'Charity' is a slow-growing shrub in the Berberidaceae family. It reaches around 2.5 m tall and 2 m wide at maturity, with evergreen foliage. Yellow flowers appear in winter and autumn.
Where to grow Mahonia
Mahonia suits cool-temperate and warm-temperate climates and grows best in part shade or morning sun and shade and low-light positions. It is frost hardy and shrugs off cold winters.
Soil & planting
Mahonia does best in free-draining and loamy soil. Plant into well-prepared ground, firm the soil around the roots and water deeply to settle it in.
Watering & feeding
Mahonia does best with regular, moderate watering. Feed as new growth begins, following the rate on a balanced garden fertiliser. Keep a newly planted specimen evenly watered through its first season; established plants can then follow the water needs above.
Pruning & care
Prune Mahonia after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. For most gardens, maintenance is low maintenance.
Using Mahonia in the garden
Mahonia earns its place for a feature or specimen planting, its fragrance, drawing nectar-feeding birds into the garden and feeding bees and pollinators.
Companion planting & design
Mahonia sits most comfortably beside plants adapted to regular, moderate watering and cool-temperate climate. A small cluster gives stronger visual impact than isolated plants scattered through the garden.
Good to know
It is thorny — useful as a barrier, but wear gloves when pruning.
Buying Mahonia
Plant Sale lists Mahonia as potted plants and advanced specimens. Availability is confirmed when you request a quote; use the panel above to register interest.
