Mahonia bealei (Leatherleaf Mahonia)
Beal's Mahonia, Leatherleaf Mahonia, Berberis bealei , Mahonia japonica Bealei Group
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.
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Requirements
Hardiness | 7
– 8 |
---|---|
Heat Zones | 7
– 8 |
Climate Zones | 3, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 |
Plant Type | Shrubs |
Plant Family | Mahonia |
Exposure | Partial Sun, Shade |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Early,Mid,Late) Summer (Early,Mid,Late) Fall Winter |
Height | 10' – 12' (3m – 3.6m) |
Spread | 8' – 10' (240cm – 3m) |
Spacing | 120" (300cm) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low, Average |
Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Fragrant, Showy, Evergreen, Fruit & Berries |
Tolerance | Deer |
Attracts | Birds |
Garden Uses | Banks and Slopes |
Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow |
Ellen McKnight, Shutterstock
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
Requirements
Hardiness | 7
– 8 |
---|---|
Heat Zones | 7
– 8 |
Climate Zones | 3, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 |
Plant Type | Shrubs |
Plant Family | Mahonia |
Exposure | Partial Sun, Shade |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Early,Mid,Late) Summer (Early,Mid,Late) Fall Winter |
Height | 10' – 12' (3m – 3.6m) |
Spread | 8' – 10' (240cm – 3m) |
Spacing | 120" (300cm) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low, Average |
Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Fragrant, Showy, Evergreen, Fruit & Berries |
Tolerance | Deer |
Attracts | Birds |
Garden Uses | Banks and Slopes |
Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow |