Plant Type

Broadleaf Evergreen, Shrub

 

Height Range

6-12'

 

Flower Color

Yellow

 

Flower Season

Spring

 

Leaf Color

Bronze, Dark Green

 

Bark Color

Brown, Grey

 

Fruit Color

Blue, Purple

 

Fruit Season

Summer, Fall

Sun

Full, Half

 

Water

Very Low, Low

 

Growth Rate

Moderate

 

Soil Type

Sandy, Clay, Loam, Rocky, Unparticular

 

Soil Condition

Average, Rich, Well-drained, Dry

 

Soil pH

Neutral, Basic

 

Adverse Factors

Attracts Bees

Design Styles

Formal, Meadow, Mediterranean, Ranch, Woodland

 

Accenting Features

Showy Flowers, Silhouette, Unusual Shape

 

Seasonal Interest

Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall

 

Location Uses

Background, Shrub Border, Foundation, Walls / Fences

 

Special Uses

Cut Flowers, Erosion Control, Hedge, Screen, Mass Planting, Naturalizing

 

Attracts Wildlife

Birds

This mahonia grows about 6 to 8 feet tall and 8 to 12 wide. It is evergreen, and has a rounded, mounding habit, with underground runners that in time will make it a sizeable clump. It have abundant, fragrant yellow spring flowers, followed by fruit that ripens purplish-black in late summer to fall. Leaves are holly-like, and a dark glossy green. Attracts bees and birds, and provides a lovely winter accent.

Grow in well drained soil, preferrably a little loamy, in part to full shade (in our hot summers, it does best, and needs less water, with some protection from mid-day sun). It will tolerate full sun but may require more frequent watering. Mahonia gets woody when sheared, so prune selectively to control size, if necessary (see guides). Also listed as Berberis 'Golden Abundance'. Hardy to 10-15 degrees.