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 |
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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 |