Mahonia bealei (Leatherleaf Mahonia)

Useful for shady areas of the garden, Mahonia bealei (Leatherleaf Mahonia) is an upright evergreen shrub with striking foliage of large, leathery, blue-green leaves, each composed of 9-13 broad, spiny leaflets. Short upright racemes of wonderfully fragrant, lemon-yellow flowers open for 4-6 weeks in winter.

Useful for shady areas of the garden, Mahonia bealei (Leatherleaf Mahonia) is an upright evergreen shrub with striking foliage of large, leathery, blue-green leaves, each composed of 9-13 broad, spiny leaflets. Short upright racemes of wonderfully fragrant, lemon-yellow flowers open for 4-6 weeks in winter. They attract pollinating insects before giving way to grape-like clusters of glossy, round, blue-purple berries in late spring. The fruits are great early-season bird forage. The lustrous evergreen foliage retains its color through the seasons. Adaptable, this Mahonia species is excellent in the woodland garden, in groupings and masses.

  • Grows up to 10-12 ft. tall (3-4 m) and 10 ft. wide (3 m).
  • A part shade to full shade lover, this plant is easily grown in fertile, humus-rich, moist, well-drained soils. Sun tolerant if the soil is not too dry. Protect from drying winds.
  • Usually, no serious pest or disease issues. Keep an eye out for rust and powdery mildews.
  • Perfect for banks and slopes, foundation plantings, woodland gardens, or cottage gardens.
  • Prune severely in late winter to promote fresh, new growth. Cut back the entire shrub to within 12 inches of the ground.
  • Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings or leaf bud cuttings from late summer to autumn.
  • Leatherleaf Mahonia is deer-resistant.
  • Native to China.
  • Find where this species is invasive in the United States.
  • Discover beautiful U.S. native plant alternatives.

Requirements

Hardiness 7
– 8

Heat Zones 7
– 8

Climate Zones 3, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Shrubs
Plant Family Mahonia
Exposure Partial Sun, Shade
Season of Interest Spring (Early,Mid,Late)Summer (Early,Mid,Late)FallWinter
Height 10'
– 12'
(3m
– 3.6m)
Spread 8'
– 10'
(240cm
– 3m)
Spacing 120″ (300cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low, Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Fragrant, Showy, Evergreen, Fruit & Berries
Tolerance Deer
Attracts Birds
Garden Uses Banks and Slopes
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow