Mahonia repens
Creeping barberry, Creeping mahonia
Also known as Berberis repens
- Height × spread
- 0.5m × 1.5m
- Position
- Tolerates full sun, likes part shade, likes light shade
- Hardiness
- Very cold to -20C (RHS H6)
- Flowers
- Spring, Autumn
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
This is a low growing ground cover plant. In the wild it often peers out between rocks, the leaves burnt red through drought, tenaciously hanging on to life. Under the gentler circumstances of domestication it may rear up and spread somewhat, and its dull green bristle-toothed leaves become noticeable. The plant is likely to increase its territory through underground stems. There are small clusters of fragrant yellow flowers in May, and then, blue black fruits. These are said to be edible, once dried, and can be used to make jellies. This is evergreen but there may be autumnal tints.
- Flower colour
- Yellow
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Autumn foliage
- Red-bronze
- Fruit colour
- Blue
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- Yes, soft
- Shape
- Dome
- Height
- 0.5m
- Spread
- 1.5m
- Spread in 10 years
- 1m
- Season of interest
- Spring
- Flowers in
- Spring, Autumn
- Evergreen
- Evergreen
- Garden style
- Scented garden, Rock garden
- Sun or shade
- Tolerates full sun, likes part shade, likes light shade
- Soil type
- Clay, Loam (normal)
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil, Well drained soil, Drought resistant
- Hardiness
- Very cold to -20C (RHS H6)
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Use for
- Ground cover, Deer resistant, Rabbit resistant, Bee attraction, Bird attraction
- Deer
- Protect from deer when young if in vulnerable area
- Maintenance
- Easycare – low/no maintenance
- Hazards
- Yes, leaves are prickly
Spring
Spring - late · Outdoors
Feed with slow release fertiliser
Apply a general purpose slow release fertiliser, spreading it around the root area of the plant as it is coming into growth. (Or apply a liquid feed at regular intervals throughout the growing season.)
This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost as a single annual procedure.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water to keep the soil moist
For best results, this plant needs soil that is always moist. Water deeply and regularly as soon as soil appears dry. Even for established plants in the ground, a dry week can cause problems with some soils. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather. Or install an automatic irrigation system which will do the hard work for you, even when you are away on holiday.
Without regular watering some plants never fully regain their beauty.
Spring · Planting
Prune lightly after flowering
Give the plant a light haircut, generally tidying it up and removing any shoots that are wayward or damaged in any way. Dead flowers can be cut off if this is practical - the shrub may have too many, or they may be hard to reach.
Planting & general
Outdoor planting · Planting
Add root growth stimulant to the planting hole
Mycorrhizal fungi helps roots establish quickly, so they absorb water and nutrients more efficiently. It comes as a powder, granule or gel. Add to the planting hole or container, and to the plant's rootball before planting in the hole. For "bareroot" plants use a gel.
Found in
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