Mahonia bealei
Originating in China, Leatherleaf Mahonia was introduced to the U.S. in 1845; it has subsequently gone native in the southeast, where in scattered areas it is invasive. Nevertheless, when properly cultivated it is a striking ornamental plant.
Looking somewhat like a holly, it has dull-textured, dark to blue-green foliage with sharp spines. Late-winter or early-spring flowers are lemon yellow and extremely fragrant. These are followed in early summer by berries that begin pale-blue in color and mature to blue-black.
This multi-stemmed, upright, irregular-shaped, broadleaf evergreen works very well in a mixed-shrub foundation planting or barrier hedge.
Prefers: Partial Shade Average watering needs: Ensure planting area provides adequate drainage
*Deer Resistant* Attracts: Birds, Butterflies & Pollinators
Photo courtesy of Toms Creek Nursery in Denton, NC (336) 857-2131
Ornamental Characteristics |
Category |
Flowering Shrub |
Foliage Type |
Broadleaf evergreen |
Height |
4' - 6' |
Spread |
4' - 6' |
Shape |
Upright & Spreading |
Primary Foliage Color |
Bluish-green |
Seasonal Foliage Color |
Bluish-green |
Flowering Season |
Early spring |
Flower Color |
Bright Yellow |
Berries |
Blue to Blue-black |
|
|
Environmental Characteristics |
Growth Rate |
Moderate |
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