Not the plant you're looking for? Search over 300,000 plants

Mahonia lushuiensis
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

A small, suckering evergreen shrub up to 1m high, with pinnate leaves to 18cm long, divided into 3-4 pairs of spiny, glossy dark green leaflets. Small yellow flowers are borne in clusters to 5cm long in spring

Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
5–10 years
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 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
Autumn Green
Winter Green
Position
  • Full shade
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

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

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H4
Botanical details
Family
Berberidaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Bushy, Suckering
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

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 or by semi-ripe cuttings from late summer to autumn

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

Minimal pruning required, see pruning group 8

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

Love gardening

Sign up to receive regular gardening tips, inspiration, offers and more

View our Privacy Policy

Get involved

The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.