Alphabetical Plant Listing

Mahonia japonica (Japanese Mahonia)

Japanese Mahonia


Handsome, award-winning Mahonia japonica (Japanese Mahonia) is an erect medium-sized evergreen shrub with a striking foliage of large, leathery, dark green leaves, each composed of 7-15 spiky leaflets. Long terminal clusters of lemon-yellow flowers, which smell of lily-of-the-valley, open over an extended period in late fall. They attract pollinating insects before giving way to grape-like clusters of glossy, round, blue-black berries. The fruits attract birds and wildlife. The lustrous evergreen foliage may take on red or purple tints when the weather turns cold. This handsome shrub is a great feature in the garden all year long.

  • Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society.
  • Grows up to 8-10 ft. tall and wide (2-3 m).
  • A part shade to full shade lover, this plant is easily grown in fertile, humus-rich, moist, well-drained soils. 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 the tips in early spring to make a fuller bushier specimen. Older plants need little pruning other than the removal of dead and broken limbs.
  • Propagate by seed and semi-hardwood cuttings.
  • Native to China.

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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 8' – 10' (240cm – 3m)
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, Plant of Merit, Showy, Evergreen, Fruit & Berries
Attracts Birds
Garden Uses Banks and Slopes
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow

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Armadillo_H, Ian Grainger, 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 8' – 10' (240cm – 3m)
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, Plant of Merit, Showy, Evergreen, Fruit & Berries
Attracts Birds
Garden Uses Banks and Slopes
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow

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