Oregon Grape
Mahonia aquifolium (BERBERIDACEAE)
Planting and Growing Oregon Grape
You’ll find everything you need to know to plant and grow Oregon grape in the accompanying table’s tabs:
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- Flowers, foliage, and berrylike fruit of Oregon grape
- Growing conditions for Oregon grape
- When and where to plant Oregon grape
- How to plant Oregon grape
- How to shape, prune and control growth of Oregon grape
- Watering, fertilizing, and care of Oregon grape
- Landscape uses of Oregon grape
- Pest and disease control for Oregon grape
Growing Oregon Grape
Over 100 species of slow-growing, spreading, broad-leaved, evergreen shrubs, to 12 ft. (3.7 m) tall, depending on species, with shiny, blue green, leathery, toothed, usually spiny leaves, to 3 in. (75 mm) long, arranged along the stem in groups of 5 or 7, and tinged red in autumn.
Closely related species with similar care needs include leatherleaf mahonia, Mahonia bealei; and creeping mahonia, Mahonia repens.
Oregon Grape Planting and Care Guide
Flowers and Fruit
Tiny, fragrant, bell-shaped, yellow flowers to 1/2-in. (12-mm) wide, in narrow, spiking clusters, in spring, form blue, blueberry-like, mealy fruit in autumn.
Best Climates
U.S.D.A. Plant Hardiness Zones 4–8, depending on species.
Soil Type and Fertility
Moist, well-drained humus. Fertility: Rich. 5.5–6.5 pH.
Where and How to Plant
Partial to full shade. Space 5–7 ft. (1.5–2.2 m) apart.
Proper Care
Easy–moderate. Keep evenly moist. Drought tolerant when established. Fertilize quarterly spring–autumn. Mulch, zones 7–8. Avoid pruning. Propagate by cuttings, layering, seed.
About This Species
Good choice for accents, backgrounds, barriers, fencelines, hedges in natural, woodland, Xeriscape gardens. Fruit attracts birds. Pest and disease resistant.