How to Grow and Care for Mahonia

Most mahonia species propagate readily from cuttings taken in the late summer or early fall before flowering. Following the steps below can help to increase the chance of success:

How To Grow And Care For Mahonia

The shiny, shapely leaves of this beautiful shrub will add texture to your Southern garden.

These eye-catching, easy-to-grow plants remind many people of holly (Ilex), though they’re closely related to barberry (Berberis). Handsome, spiny leaves are divided into leaflets that change colors with the seasons. Showy yellow flowers bloom from dense, rounded or spike-like clusters in late winter or spring. Blooms are followed by berrylike blue, blue-black, or red fruit that attracts birds. Plant as a single, eye-catching plant or amass multiples in a shrub bed.

Prune to reduce size or leggy growth, cutting selected stems to the ground or to a node. Avoid planting too close to walkways and sitting areas, where prickly foliage might snag passersby. Mahonia is pest-free and seldom browsed by deer. Provide well-drained soil and filtered light during the hottest part of the day.

Here is what you need to know about growing and caring for mahonia in the South.

Plant Attributes

Mahonia Care

Mahonia is a low-maintenance plant with few care requirements. Add rich organic matter to the soil when planting. Once the plant is in the ground, mulch its base. Water regularly the first year to establish growth. Mahonia needs an occasional pruning to reshape or remove woody canes. It is both pest- and deer-resistant.

Light

Even though mahonia will grow in full sun and full shade, it prefers part shade during the hottest part of the day to filter the light.

Soil

Mahonia will be happy if you amend your soil with a few inches of organic matter. The Mississippi State Extension Service recommends adding 2 pounds of a 5-10-5 fertilizer per 100 square feet of planting area. Turn the soil 8 to 10 inches deep.

Water

It is important to water your new mahonia planting in the first year as it becomes established. Water deeply when needed. Once the plant is established, it will grow well with rainfall, but you might need to supplement during long hot and dry spells.

Temperature and Humidity

Mahonia tolerates the heat and humidity of our Southern climate well. Mulch around the base of the plant will help the plant retain water.

Fertilizer

Feed established plantings in March with a slow-release, balanced fertilizer like an 8-8-8 at the rate of 1 pound per 100 square feet, according to the Mississippi State University Extension Service.

Types of Mahonia

We grow two types of mahonia in the South. The Mahonia aquifolium, or Oregon Holly Grape, and Mahonia bealei, or Leatherleaf Mahonia.

Oregon Grape Holly (Mahonia Aquifolium): This plant is native from British Columbia to Northern California and grows 6 ft or taller and 5 ft wide. Young growth is bronzy, mature growth is green turning purple to bronze in winter, especially in the US where plants are grown in full sun. It will grow best with some shade in the LS and wind protection in the US. Flowers grow in 2 to 3 in. clusters along stems followed by edible, bluish-black fruit with a powdery coating. Control mahonia’s shape by pruning woody stems that jut out, cutting them back to the ground. Requires acidic soil. Water regularly to establish. Grows in US, MS, LS Zone 6-8 .

• ‘Compactum’ grows 2-3 ft tall and wide.
• ‘Kings Ransom’ is an upright grower that reaches 6 ft tall and up to 5 ft wide. Its dark blue-green leaves turn red-purple in winter.
• ‘Orange Flame’ grows 2 ft tall and 3 ft wide with a bronze colored new growth, glossy green mature leaves that turn the color of red wine in winter.
• ‘Soft Caress’ (Mahonia Eurybracteata) grows in MS, LS, CS Zones 7-9 . This thornless variety grows 3 ft tall and wide. Part to full shade.
• Chinese Mahonia (Mahonia Fortunei) grows in LS, CS Zones 8-9 . This native Chinese species grows up to 6 ft. tall and 3 ft wide with spiny leaves. Flowers bloom in short clusters in late summer to early fall. Full sun to part shade.
• Mexican Barberry (Mahonia Gracilis) grows most colorful when planted in full sun with leaves that are lime-green when new, darker green in summer, and a lively mix of red, orange, yellow, and light green in winter. Grows in MS, LS, CS Zones 7-9 . Tolerates extreme heat and poor soil—even packed clay.

Leatherleaf Mahonia (Mahonia bealei):

• Mahonia Japonica Bealei Group (Mahonia Bealei) grows in US, MS, LS, CS Zones 6-9 and up to 12 ft tall and 10 ft wide with strong vertical stems and horizontal foliage. The leaves are about a foot long with fragrant spiky floral clusters in the early spring. Takes sun in US, MS, but plant in part shade in other Zones.
• Mahonia Oiwakensis Lomariifolia (Mahonia Lomariifolia) is native to Asia and grows up to 12 ft tall and 6 ft wide with erect stems. Flowers in winter or earliest spring grow in foot-long, erect clusters. Plant in the afternoon shade to maintain a deep green color. Grows in LS, CS Zones 8-9 .
• Mahonia Xmedia is a hybrid between Mahonia lomariifolia and Mahonia japonica that grows in MS, LS, CS Zones 7-9. Buckland and ‘Charity’ grow to 15 ft tall, 12 ft wide; ‘Faith’ reaches 10 ft tall and 6 ft wide; ‘Hope’ and ‘Lionel Fortescue’ grow to 6 ft tall and wide; ‘Underway’ and ‘Winter Sun’ reach up to 5 ft tall and wide.
• Texas Mahonia (Mahonia Swaseyi) is native to Texas and Mexico, growing best in MS, LS, CS, and TS Zones 7-11 . Leaves are rosy when young, light green in summer, reddish purple in fall and winter. Fragrant yellow spring flowers; bright red berries. Best in full sun; tolerates much heat.
• Agarita, Texas Currant (Mahonia Trifoliolata) grows 8 ft tall and 6 ft wide. Needs good drainage and full sun. Fragrant yellow flowers in spring give way to red berries that ripen in summer. Plant in MS, LS, CS Zones 7-9 .

Pruning

Pruning is a good way to shape your mahonia. Prune back branches that appear overcrowded or stems that have become leggy. Aim to remove about a third of old canes to encourage new ones to grow.

How to Grow Mahonia From Seed

They readily germinate (birds volunteer mahonia all over the place), but if you want to plant mahonia, regardless of species or selection, we recommend buying one from the nursery.

Common Problems With Mahonia

Mahonia is a relatively low-maintenance plant but it can develop rust, which presents as little brown spots on the leaves. To prevent, water the plant at the base and keep water off of foliage. If planted in alkaline soil, mahonia will develop chlorosis, or leaves that turn yellow.

How to Grow and Care for Mahonia

Gemma Johnstone is a dog expert and writer with over 15 years of experience in the pet industry and as an animal welfare advocate. She has worked for the Scottish Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and fundraises and volunteers for local dog rescues.

Barbara Gillette is a Master Gardener, herbalist, beekeeper, and journalist. She has 30 years of experience propagating and growing fruits, vegetables, herbs, and ornamentals.

Jessica Wrubel has an accomplished background as a writer and copy editor, working for various publications, newspapers and in public libraries assisting with reference, research and special projects. In addition to her journalism experience, she has been educating on health and wellness topics for over 15 years in and outside of the classroom.

Most mahonia shrubs are densely textured with eye-catching, large foliage. Their leaves look very similar to toothed holly leaves. Mahonia are often called holly-leaved barberries since they are in the barberry family but look much like holly shrubs. Mahonia are well-suited to shady spots in your yard and are popular as privacy hedges. Because of their architectural, dramatic appearance, they’re often used in minimalist landscape designs, especially in southern states.

North American native woodland plants, mahonias are easy to grow and have an almost tropical look. Most floral sprays are fragrant golden-yellow in late winter or early spring and attractive to pollinators like bees and butterflies. The dark bluish-black berries appeal to various birds that might also take refuge in the thick, green foliage. Part of the appeal of these upright evergreen shrubs is that they offer year-round interest, and the spiky foliage is deer-resistant. Plant mahonias in spring or fall when the temperatures are mild.

Is Mahonia the Same as Oregon Grape?

Oregon grape is one type of mahonia species (Mahonia aquifolium). There are more than 70 species of mahonia, all in the barberry family. The flowers are attractive to pollinators and the berries (not actual grapes) are favorites among some birds and mammals. The sturdy foliage provides cover for many small animals.

Light

Most mahonia can tolerate full sun and heavy shade but thrive in partial shade positions. Deep shade can result in leggy growth for some species.

Soil

One of the advantages of mahonia species is that they don’t tend to be particular about the type of soil they grow in. They usually do well in sandy, loamy, and clay types and across various pH levels. The soil just needs to be moist and well-drained.

Water

Generally, mahonias do best with regular deep watering while establishing (especially during the first year), although you should avoid waterlogging. Once established, they’re known for being pretty drought-tolerant and will usually only need watering when there are hot, dry spells.

Temperature and Humidity

Apart from the danger of foliage burn because of freezing winds, mahonias usually tolerate a wide range of temperatures. They’re typically able to handle temperatures as low as 5 degrees Fahrenheit. However, mulching in the fall around the shrub to protect the roots could help if temperatures drop as low as this.

Fertilizer

These plants don’t need a rigorous regime of fertilization. An annual spring feeding with a slow-release, low-nitrogen fertilizer or a rich layer of mulch or compost with fish and bone meal should be sufficient.

Types of Mahonia

Around 70 species are in the Mahonia genus, with more cultivars and hybrids. Some popular, readily available varieties include:

• Oregon grape (Mahonia aquifolium): Sometimes called Berberis aquifolium; grows about 6 feet tall; hardy in USDA zones 5 to 8
• ‘Marvel’ mahonia: Upright growth habit; large fronds; fragrant sprays of flowers in late fall or early winter; clusters of black berries in summer or fall
• Creeping mahonia (Mahonia repens): Low-growing shrub (reaches around 1 foot tall); works well as a leafy ground cover; hardy in USDA zones 5 to 8
• Frémont’s mahonia (Mahonia fremontii): Reaches up to 8 feet tall; hardy in USDA zone 5
• Mahonia x media ‘Charity’: Tall, tough, and adaptable hybrid; can reach up to 15 feet tall; often used to create a natural privacy fence; hardy in USDA zones 7 to 9

Warning

It’s worth noting that leatherleaf mahonia (Mahonia bealei) has been a popular ornamental species, but it is now classed as highly invasive in many southern states.

Pruning

Mahonias do not have a demanding pruning regime. However, light pruning every few years in early spring after any frosts have passed can encourage healthy foliage growth. You can also help retain a tidy look by thinning out crowded branches.

If your shrub has been growing in deep shade, resulting in leggy, straggly growth or tall specimens that have become bare at the base, cutting it back to the ground can help it recover a more compact, full habit. After cutting back like this, it’s a good idea to mulch around the shrub base and offer a light feed to encourage new, healthy growth.

It’s also good to control any plant suckers that sprout from this slow and steady grower. You might want to remove these if you don’t want the space overcrowded with mahonias.

Propagating Mahonia

Most mahonia species propagate readily from cuttings taken in the late summer or early fall before flowering. Following the steps below can help to increase the chance of success:

1. Select a cutting of around 6 inches from semi-ripe, current season growth.
2. Remove the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting.
3. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone.
4. Pot up in moist, well-drained potting soil.
5. Keep in a warm spot in a greenhouse or indoors.
6. Cover with plastic to hold in the moisture.
7. Keep moist until roots take hold.

How to Grow Mahonia From Seed

To attempt to grow new mahonia from seeds, try following the steps below for spring planting:

1. Separate the seeds from the fleshy berries
2. Cold stratify any seeds collected for a minimum of one month
3. Move the seeds to a warmer location (around 65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit) and leave them for another month
4. Sow the seeds around 1/4 inch into the potting soil

Alternatively, you can sow the seeds directly in the ground in the fall and keep your fingers crossed for spring germination.

Potting and Repotting Mahonia

Because of their spreading habit, mahonia generally isn’t suited to growing in containers. For best success, grow it in the ground with plenty of space for it to spread.

Common Plant Diseases

Mahonias are robust species; pests and serious diseases aren’t common problems. They can sometimes suffer from rust or powdery mildew (which causes brown spots on the foliage). While neither is typically fatal, they can cause curling, withering, or dropping leaves.

Watering the shrubs at the plant base rather than over the leaves, avoiding a damp location, and removing infected sections can help minimize these problems. Fungicides can be used if the problem is difficult to control. Mahonia aquifolium is particularly susceptible to rust.

The leaves of many mahonia species look similar to holly with their serrated, rich green foliage. But unlike holly, mahonia is in the barberry family and is related. Holly berries are toxic; meanwhile, barberries are considered non-toxic.

Mahonia growth rates depend on the species you select, but they’re typically slow and steady growers.

While mahonia will tolerate a full-sun location if well watered, mahonia thrives in partial shade.

The Spruce uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

1. Evergreens for the Shade. University of Florida IFAS Extension.
2. Leatherleaf Mahonia. Invasive Plant Atlas of the United States.
3. Berberis aquifolium. Missouri Botanical Garden.