What hardiness zones is Mahonia x media suitable for?

Mahonia x media is suitable for USDA hardiness zones 6, 7, 8, 9.

What are the sun requirements for Mahonia x media?

Mahonia x media requires Part Shade.

How much water does Mahonia x media need?

Mahonia x media has Medium water needs.

Broadleaf Evergreen Shrubs

Mahonia x media

hybrid mahonia

Berberidaceae

Hybrid of garden origin (Mahonia japonica × M. lomariifolia); does not occur in the wild

At a Glance

TypeShrub

HabitUpright

FoliageEvergreen

Height6-12 feet (1.8-3.6 m)

Width4-8 feet (1.2-2.4 m)

Maturity8 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

6 - 9

Zone 6

Zone 7

Zone 8

Zone 9

These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.

Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators

Deer Resistant

Drought Tolerant

Fragrant (moderate)

Container Friendly

Maintenancelow

Overview

An upright, architectural broadleaf evergreen shrub reaching 6-12 feet (1.8-3.6 m) tall and 4-8 feet (1.2-2.4 m) wide. Growth rate is moderate, adding 6-12 inches (15-30 cm) per year. This hybrid group results from crosses between Mahonia japonica and M. lomariifolia, combining the cold hardiness and fragrance of the former with the long, showy flower racemes of the latter. Stems are thick, upright, and sparsely branched, bearing large pinnately compound leaves in tiered horizontal whorls, creating a strongly architectural, somewhat palm-like silhouette. Leaves are 12-24 inches (30-60 cm) long with 13-21 narrow, lance-shaped, spiny leaflets, each 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) long. Leaflets are more numerous, narrower, and more closely spaced than those of M. bealei, giving a more refined texture. Flowers appear from November through February (depending on cultivar and climate) in spreading to pendulous terminal racemes 6-14 inches (15-35 cm) long, bright yellow, fragrant with a lily-of-the-valley-like scent. The pendulous raceme orientation distinguishes this hybrid from M. bealei, which has erect racemes. Fruit is a cluster of oval berries ripening to dusty blue-black with a glaucous bloom by March to April. Inner bark is yellow from berberine alkaloid. Popular cultivars include 'Charity' (upright racemes, November-December bloom), 'Winter Sun' (semi-erect racemes, November-January), and 'Buckland' (pendulous racemes, December-February). Hardy to approximately -5 to 5°F (-20 to -15°C), varying by cultivar.

Native Range

A hybrid of garden origin, first raised in Northern Ireland in the 1950s from crosses between Mahonia japonica (native to Taiwan and mainland Asia) and M. lomariifolia (native to southwestern China and Myanmar). Does not occur in the wild.

Suggested Uses

Commonly planted as an architectural specimen or accent in shaded borders, woodland gardens, and north- or east-facing foundation plantings at 4-6 foot (1.2-1.8 m) spacing. The winter bloom provides color and fragrance during an otherwise dormant period. Flowers attract overwintering and early-emerging pollinators. Suitable for containers of at least 15 gallons (57 L). Tolerates urban pollution.

How to Identify

Distinguished from M. bealei by the more numerous, narrower, lance-shaped leaflets (13-21 per leaf vs. 9-13) and the spreading to pendulous flower racemes (vs. erect in M. bealei). Racemes are 6-14 inches (15-35 cm) long, substantially longer than those of M. bealei (3-6 inches / 8-15 cm). Distinguished from M. aquifolium by the much larger overall size, coarse architectural habit, and winter-flowering period. The combination of large compound leaves with narrow leaflets in horizontal tiers and long pendulous yellow flower racemes in winter is diagnostic for this hybrid group.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height6' - 12'

Width/Spread4' - 8'

Reaches mature size in approximately 8 years

Colors

Flower Colors

yellow

Foliage Colors

dark green

blue green

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~8 weeks

Winter

Flowers from November through February, with timing varying by cultivar: 'Charity' blooms November-December, 'Winter Sun' November-January, 'Buckland' December-February. Spreading to pendulous terminal racemes 6-14 inches (15-35 cm) long bear bright yellow, fragrant flowers with a lily-of-the-valley-like scent. Bloom lasts 6-10 weeks depending on cultivar and weather. Dusty blue-black berries ripen in March to April. Among the most conspicuous winter-flowering shrubs in Pacific Northwest gardens.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Bright yellow

Foliage Description

Dark green to blue-green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Partial Shade

Full Shade

Requires 2-5 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 7.0(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loamclay

Drainage

well drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

5-8 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Plant in partial to full shade in moist, well-drained, humus-rich soil. Performs poorly in full sun, where foliage fades to yellow-green and leaf margins scorch. Water regularly during the first two growing seasons; established plants tolerate moderate drought but foliage quality declines during prolonged dry periods exceeding 3-4 weeks. Mulch with 2-3 inches (5-8 cm) of organic material. Protect from cold, desiccating winter winds, which can damage flowers and foliage; sheltered positions near buildings or under high canopy trees are ideal. Powdery mildew may develop in humid, poorly ventilated sites. Less susceptible to rust than M. aquifolium. The sparse branching habit requires periodic rejuvenation pruning to prevent a leggy, top-heavy form.

Pruning

Prune after flowering in late winter to early spring. Remove the tallest, leggiest stems by cutting back to 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) above ground level to promote branching and a fuller form. Without rejuvenation pruning, plants become progressively bare at the base with foliage concentrated at the top. Remove one-third of the oldest stems annually to maintain a multi-stemmed, balanced form. Wear heavy gloves when pruning due to spiny leaflets. Pruned branches make long-lasting cut flower material.

Pruning Schedule

winterearly spring

Maintenance Level

low

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 15 gallons

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic