Mahonia japonica
Japanese mahonia
An erect evergreen shrub to 2m tall, with large, dark green leathery pinnate leaves to 45cm long, with up to 19 sharp-toothed, slender leaflets, and small, fragrant pale yellow flowers in spreading or drooping sprays to 25cm long, from late autumn to early spring, followed by blue-black berries
Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
1.5–2.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Yellow | Green | Black Blue | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Yellow | Green | ||
| Winter | Yellow | Green | Black Blue |
Position
- Full shade
- Partial shade
- Full sun
Aspect
North–facing or West–facing or East–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical 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
Correct
- Plant range
- Taiwan
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 seed and semi-hardwood cuttings
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Architectural
- Wildlife gardens
- City and courtyard gardens
- Coastal
- Cottage and informal garden
- Low Maintenance
- Flower borders and beds
- Hedging and screens
Pruning
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
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