Mahonia x media
Hybrid barberry
- Height × spread
- 3m × 2m
- Position
- Tolerates full sun, likes part shade, tolerates light shade
- Hardiness
- Average winter to - 10C (RHS H4)
- Flowers
- Winter
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
This tall shrub reaches around 3m (10ft) height and forms a spiky architectural shape. In autumn and winter there are fan-shaped clusters of flowering spikes, golden-yellow, held high on the top of the branches. A mature specimen with its lean brown stems and handsome large heads of foliage is a striking sight. These big mahonias, with their dramatic impact, can be used like a small exotic tree in a small garden.
- Flower colour
- Yellow
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Stem colour
- Brown
- Fruit colour
- Purple
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- Yes, slight
- Shape
- Fan
- Height
- 3m
- Spread
- 2m
- Season of interest
- Autumn, Winter
- Flowers in
- Winter
- Evergreen
- Evergreen
- Garden style
- Winter garden, Scented garden, Mediterranean garden
- Sun or shade
- Tolerates full sun, likes part shade, tolerates light shade
- Soil type
- Clay, Loam (normal)
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil, Well drained soil
- Hardiness
- Average winter to - 10C (RHS H4)
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Use for
- Wall cover, Architectural, Deer resistant, Rabbit resistant, Bee attraction, Bird attraction
- Walls
- East, South, West facing
- 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 young plants with slow release fertiliser
Spread a slow release fertiliser around the base of the plant to the edge of the foliage spread, so that it can feed the roots. It is helpful for this to be applied for several years.
This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost until the plant becomes well established.
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.
Winter
Winter · 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
More Mahonia
Mahonia aquifolium 'Apollo'
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Mahonia eurybracteata 'Soft Caress'
Spine-free mahonia, Soft mahonia
Mahonia x media 'Charity'
Hybrid barberry
Mahonia x media 'Winter Sun'
Hybrid barberry
Mahonia
Barberry
Mahonia 'Volcano'
Spine-free mahonia
Mahonia aquifolium
Oregon grape, Holly grape, Holly leaved barberry
Mahonia aquifolium 'Atropurpurea'
Oregon grape, Holly grape, Holly leaved barberry