Mahonia Info: Learn How To Grow A Leatherleaf Mahonia Plant
Leatherleaf mahonia adds whimsey to a garden with its long upright shoots of yellow flowers that resemble something from Dr. Seuss.
Leatherleaf Mahonia In Gardens - Tips For Growing Leatherleaf Mahonia Plants
When you want unique shrubs with a certain type of whimsy, consider leatherleaf mahonia plants. With long, upright shoots of yellow clustered flowers that extend out like octopus legs, growing leatherleaf mahonia makes you feel you have stepped into a Dr. Seuss book.
This is a low-maintenance plant, so leatherleaf mahonia care is minimal. For additional information and tips on how to grow a leatherleaf mahonia shrub, read on.
Mahonia Information
Leatherleaf mahonias (Mahonia bealei) won’t resemble any other plants in your garden. They are small shrubs with sprays of dusty green leaves in curiously horizontal layers. The leaves look like holly plant leaves and are a bit spiny, like those of their relations, barberry shrubs. In fact, like barberries, they can make an effective defensive hedge if planted correctly.
These plants bloom in winter or early spring, filling their branches with shoots of fragrant, butter-yellow blossom clusters. By summer the flowers develop into little round fruits, a surprising bright blue. They hang like grapes and attract all of the neighborhood birds.
Before you start growing leatherleaf mahonia, take into account that these shrubs can get 8 feet (2 m.) tall. They thrive in USDA plant hardiness zones 7 through 9, where they are evergreen, retaining their leaves all year.
How to Grow a Leatherleaf Mahonia
Leatherleaf mahonia plants aren’t particularly fussy to grow and you’ll also find leatherleaf mahonia care a snap if the shrubs are installed in the right place.
Where to plant
Gardening tips, videos, info and more delivered right to your inbox!
Sign up for the Gardening Know How newsletter today and receive a free download of our DIY eBook "Bring Your Garden Indoors: 13 DIY Projects For Fall And Winter".
They appreciate shade and prefer a location with partial or full shade. Offer the shrubs wind protection as well, or else plant them in a wooded setting.
Soil requirements
Plant leatherleaf mahonia plants in acidic soil that is moist and well drained.
Water requirements
Provide leatherleaf mahonia with ample irrigation after planting.
Once they're installed and have begun growing, you’ll need to give the leatherleaf mahonia plant ample water until its roots are established.
Drought tolerance
After a year or so, the shrubs have a strong root system and are drought tolerant.
Pruning
Create a denser shrub by pruning back the tallest stems in early spring to encourage new growth at the base.
Teo Spengler has been gardening for 30 years. She is a docent at the San Francisco Botanical Garden. Her passion is trees, 250 of which she has planted on her land in France.
-
Gifts For Bird Lovers, Birders and Birdies To Attract More Feathered Friends To Your Yard!
If you’re looking to bring more birdies to your garden, these gifts for bird lovers should definitely be on your wish list. Grab some avian attractions to get your gardens all aflutter
By Janey Goulding
-
Elegant Exotics: 8 Beautiful Amaryllis Varieties That Will Brighten Any Holiday Display
Whether red, pink, white or variegated, the right amaryllis varieties can enhance any living space, especially during the holidays. We round up eight of the most exquisite
By Bonnie L. Grant
-
Cascade Oregon Grape Plant: Learn About Oregon Grape Care In Gardens
If you’re interested in growing a Cascade Oregon grape plant, click the following article to learn about the plant’s care.
By Amy Grant
-
Grape Holly Plant Care - How And Where To Plant Oregon Grape Hollies And Creeping Mahonia
Grape holly plant is not only easy to grow and care for but adds year-round interest with its attractive foliage color and texture. Read this article for information on caring for both Oregon and creeping grape holly.
By Jackie Carroll