Oregon Grape
Mahonia aquifolium
Description | An excellent, easy-care, evergreen shrub for mass planting as a screen or as a single colorful accent. Spiny foliage emerges with bronze-red coloring, turns green as it matures, and develops a purple-red coloring in the winter. Brilliant yellow flowers in spring are followed by deep blue berries in fall. Plant two or more for best berry production. |
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Light | Full sun, Partial sun |
Watering | Water when top 2 inches of soil is dry. |
Blooms | Spring |
Mature Size | Irregular, upright stems; reaches 3 to 6 ft. tall and wide. |
Deciduous/Evergreen | Evergreen |
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Special Features | Easy Care, North American Native Selection, Showy Fruit, Non-toxic to Cats and Dogs, Edible, Benefits Birds |
Problems/Solutions | Deer Resistant, Erosion Control, Rabbit Resistant |
Growth Rate | Moderate |
Growth Habit | Upright |
Flower Attributes | Fragrant, Showy Flowers |
Landscape Use | Border, Container, Hedge, Accent |
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Design Ideas | This valuable Western native is at home under the high canopies of the pine and fir forests of its home range on the Pacific Coast. A very appropriate plant for natural wild gardens in the Western states, where it is reliably deer resistant. Tall and thin, it is perfect for very narrow spaces at tight gateways and side yards. Often planted hedge-style against fences and walls, but may be used as a freestanding hedge in narrow slots between driveways. Blends into plantings of acid-loving shrubs and trees. Fills odd spots and covers water pipe valves and utility boxes. A common plant in both drought-resistant and Western native landscapes. Works well in Japanese gardens. |
Flower Color | Yellow |
Foliage Color | Green |
Companion Plants | Sweetspire (Itea); Azalea (Azalea); Iris (Iris); Clethra (Clethra); Fothergilla (Fothergilla) |
Care | Thrives in humus-rich, evenly moist, well-drained soils; tolerates sandy sites and clay. Shelter from drying winds and harsh sun in hot southern regions. Water deeply, regularly in first growing season to establish root system. Feed in spring. Slowly spreads; prune suckers promptly, unless naturalizing is desired. |
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Lore | The genus name Mahonia honors American horticulturist Bernard McMahon (1775-1816). Mahonia aquifolium is knownby many different common names including Oregon grape, hollygrape or grapeholly. The slightly fragrant flowers are the state flower of Oregon. They are followed by clusters of edible berries that are not particularly tasty when eaten fresh, but can be used to make jellies and preserves. |
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This Plant's Growing Zones: 5-9
Your USDA Cold Hardiness Zone: 9
Good to grow!
Buy Online
Your plant(s) will ship to the garden center you choose as soon as they meet our quality standards and the garden center schedules a shipment. This can be as little as 21 days, but may take longer depending on the plant growth and your garden center's scheduled shipments.
Please note, not all garden centers participate as delivery locations for online orders.
Buy Locally
This plant may be available in these stores:
Due to the seasonal nature of plants, availability at your local garden center is not guaranteed. Give them a call before visiting. Please note, not all garden centers participate as delivery locations for online orders.
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Portland Nursery 5050 S.e. Stark St.
Portland, Oregon 97215 -
Portland Nursery 9000 S.E. Division St
Portland, Oregon 97266 -
Tony's Garden Center - Portland 10300 Se Holgate Boulevard
Portland, Oregon 97266
About Us
We have been pioneers and craftsmen in the art of growing plants for nearly
100 years. Since our founding in Southern California by Harry E. Rosedale, Sr.
in 1926, we have been absolutely dedicated and obsessed with quality.
We have been pioneers and craftsmen in the art of growing plants for nearly 100 years. Since our founding in Southern California by Harry E. Rosedale, Sr. in 1926, we have been absolutely dedicated and obsessed with quality.