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Mahonia aquifolium 'Apollo'
  • RHS AGM
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

Oregon grape 'Apollo'

A vigorous, low, spreading evergreen shrub about 60cm tall, and 90cm wide, with glossy deep green pinnate leaves becoming purplish-bronze in winter. Abundant deep yellow flowers in large clusters, in spring, followed by black berries

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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
5–10 years
Ultimate spread
1–1.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Yellow Green
Summer Green Black
Autumn Green Black
Winter Purple
Position
  • Full shade
  • Partial shade
Aspect

South–facing or North–facing or West–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
Botanical details
Family
Berberidaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Bushy
Potentially harmful
Berries are ornamental, not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
Genus

Mahonia are evergreen shrubs with leathery, pinnate leaves which are often spine-toothed, and clustered racemes of sometimes fragrant yellow flowers, sometimes followed by black or purple berries

Name status

Accepted

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in humus-rich moist but well-drained soil, suited to full or partial shade in a sheltered position but tolerant of sun if soil is not too dry. See mahonia cultivation for further information

Propagation

Propagate by semi-ripe cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Wildlife gardens
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Low Maintenance
  • Ground cover
Pruning

Pruning group 8

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to a rust and powdery mildews

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