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Shrubs

Mahonia × media 'Marvel'

While some Mahonias can get too large for smaller spaces this cultivar is more compact and has less prickly leaves, the large frond-like leaves developing in whorls along branched stems. Large clusters of fragrant yellow flowers appear in late autumn/early winter, followed by dark blue-black berries by late summer

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Ultimate height

1.5–2.5 metres

Time to ultimate height

5–10 years

Ultimate spread

1.5–2.5 metres

Chalk

Clay

Loam

Sand

Moisture

Moist but well–drained, Well–drained

pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

	Stem	Flower	Foliage	Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Full shade
Partial shade

Aspect

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

Exposure

Exposed or Sheltered

Hardiness
Hardiness ratings
All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets
H1a: under glass all year (>15C)
H1b: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
H1c: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)

Botanical details

Family: Berberidaceae
Native to GB / Ireland: No
Foliage: Evergreen
Habit: Bushy, Columnar upright
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 any well-drained or moist but well-drained soil in partial or deeper shade. It will tolerate a sunny position if the soil is not too dry but is very suitable for difficult shady situations. Mahonia appreciate an annual mulch with well-rotted manure or garden compost in September which will help keep weeds down and keep the ground a little warmer in winter. Water in very dry periods – water well if needed but not often. See mahonia cultivation for further advice

Propagation

Propagate by layering or semi-ripe cuttings in June and July

Suggested planting locations and garden types

Architectural
Cottage and informal garden
City and courtyard gardens
Wildlife gardens
Low Maintenance
Flower borders and beds

Pruning

Prune every other year to encourage bushy growth - pruning group 8

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to rust diseases and Powdery mildews, especially in dry weather

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