Botanical Name: Mahonia aquifolium 'Compacta'
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Common Name: Compact Oregon Grape  
Plant photo of: Mahonia aquifolium 'Compacta'
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Water Saving Tip:

Change spray sprinklers to low-flow bubbler or drip systems. Shrubs and trees are ideal candidates for this type of irrigation because the water is applied directly to the root zones.

  • Anatomy

  • Culture

  • Design

Plant Type

Broadleaf Evergreen, Shrub

 

Height Range

3-6'

 

Flower Color

Yellow

 

Flower Season

Spring

 

Leaf Color

Bronze, Dark Green

 

Bark Color

Grey

 

Fruit Color

Blue

 

Fruit Season

Summer, Fall

Sun

Half, Shade

 

Water

Medium

 

Growth Rate

Moderate

 

Soil Type

Clay, Loam

 

Soil Condition

Average, Rich, Well-drained

 

Soil pH

Neutral, Basic

 

Adverse Factors

Invasive, Thorns/Spines

Design Styles

English Cottage, Mediterranean, Ranch, Woodland

 

Accenting Features

Fall Color, Fragrance, Showy Flowers

 

Seasonal Interest

Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall

 

Location Uses

Shrub Border, Foundation, Walls / Fences

 

Special Uses

Erosion Control, Hedge, Screen, Mass Planting, Fire Resistant, Naturalizing

 

Attracts Wildlife

Birds

Information by: Stephanie Duer
Photographer:

  • Description

  • Notes

'Compacta' has the same characteritics of the species: evergreen holly-like spiny leaves, yellow spring flowers, blue-black fruit - but grows only about 3 to 4 feet tall and wide.
Grow in well drained soil and part to full shade. When planted in full sun, it invariably experiences scorch by mid-summer. Prefers soils high in organic content. Once established it requires only periodic watering. Spreads by stolons and so can form a colony; a useful trait if planned for.