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Mahonia japonica (Japanese Mahonia)

Japanese Mahonia

Mahonia japonica, Japanese Mahonia, Blue berries, Yellow Flowers, evergreen shrub
Mahonia japonica, Japanese Mahonia, Blue berries, Yellow Flowers, evergreen shrub

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.

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 Berberidaceae
Genus 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" (3m)
Maintenance Low, Average
Water Needs 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
Tolerance Full Shade
Attracts Birds
Garden Uses Banks And Slopes
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Mahonia nervosa, Cascade Barberry, Cascade Oregon-Grape, Dwarf Oregon-Grape, Berberis nervosa, Yellow Flowers, Blue Berries, evergreen shrub
Mahonia fremontii, Fremont's Mahonia, Desert Mahonia, Desert Oregon-grape, Fremont Barberry, Holly Grape, Berberis fremontii, Berberis higginsiae, Mahonia higginsiae, Odostemon fremontii, Yellow Flowers, evergreen shrub
Mahonia trifoliolata, Agarita, Agarito, Algerita, Laredo Mahonia, Laredo Oregon-grape, Trifoliate Barberry, Wild Currant, Berberis trifoliolata,, Yellow Flowers, evergreen shrub
Mahonia media 'Buckland', Oregon Grape 'Buckland', Blue berries, Yellow Flowers, evergreen shrub
Mahonia bealei, Beal's Mahonia, Leatherleaf Mahonia, Berberis bealei , Mahonia japonica Bealei Group, Blue berries, Yellow Flowers, evergreen shrub
Mahonia media 'Charity', Oregon Grape 'Charity', Blue berries, Yellow Flowers, evergreen shrub

Recommended Companion Plants

Carex Oshimensis 'Evergold', Sedge 'Evergold', Carex hachijoensis 'Evergold', Carex morrowii 'Evergold', Carex oshimensis 'Everbrite', Carex oshimensis 'Honeybird', Carex 'Evergold', Ornamental grasses,
Cyclamen Coum, Persian Violet, Sowbread, Eastern Cyclamen, Round-Leaved Cyclamen, early flowering bulb, winter bulb, Pink flowering bulb, White flowering bulb
Stachyurus praecox, Early Stachyurus, Yellow Flowers,  Winter Flowers
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.
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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 Berberidaceae
Genus 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" (3m)
Maintenance Low, Average
Water Needs 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
Tolerance Full Shade
Attracts Birds
Garden Uses Banks And Slopes
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Learn Now
Guides with
Mahonia
Not sure which Mahonia to pick?
Compare Now

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