Mahonia bealei (Leatherleaf Mahonia)

Useful for shady areas of the garden, Mahonia bealei (Leatherleaf Mahonia) is an upright evergreen shrub with striking foliage of large, leathery, blue-green leaves, each composed of 9-13 broad, spiny leaflets. Short upright racemes of wonderfully fragrant, lemon-yellow flowers open for 4-6 weeks in winter. They attract pollinating insects before giving way to grape-like clusters of glossy, round, blue-purple berries in late spring. The fruits are great early-season bird forage. The lustrous evergreen foliage retains its color through the seasons. Adaptable, this Mahonia species is excellent in the woodland garden, in groupings and masses.

• Grows up to 10-12 ft. tall (3-4 m) and 10 ft. wide (3 m).
• A part shade to full shade lover, this plant is easily grown in fertile, humus-rich, moist, well-drained soils. Sun tolerant if the soil is not too dry. Protect from drying winds.
• Usually, no serious pest or disease issues. Keep an eye out for rust and powdery mildews.
• Perfect for banks and slopes, foundation plantings, woodland gardens, or cottage gardens.
• Prune severely in late winter to promote fresh, new growth. Cut back the entire shrub to within 12 inches of the ground.
• Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings or leaf bud cuttings from late summer to autumn.
• Leatherleaf Mahonia is deer-resistant.
• Native to China.
• Find where this species is invasive in the United States.
• Discover beautiful U.S. native plant alternatives.