Mahonia japonica (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.