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Mahonia taronensis
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

An evergreen shrub to around 1.5m high, with a low-growing habit and pinnate leaves to 40cm long, divided into pairs of narrow, glossy olive green leaflets with spiny edges. Small yellow-green flowers are borne in short clusters in autumn and winter, and are followed by blue berries

Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 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 Green Blue
Summer Green
Autumn Yellow Green Green
Winter Yellow Green 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 the UK
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, by semi-ripe cuttings from late summer to autumn, or by division, removing offsets in 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. Remove suckers to control spread

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to rust diseases

Get involved

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