Oregon Grape Holly Mahonia – 1 Gallon Pot

Common Names: Oregon Grape, Hollyleaved Barberry, Tall Oregon Grape, Berberis aquifolium, Holly Leaf Barberry

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A beautiful North American native shrub, Mahonia aquifolium, commonly known as Oregon Grape Holly, is adored for its distinctive leaves, flowers, and berries. It forms an upright shrub, up to 6 feet tall and 5 feet wide, with bamboo-like stems clad in highly ornamental, holly-like, evergreen, deep green leaves that develop reddish-purple hues during the winter. In late winter to early spring, clusters of fragrant, bright yellow flowers attract early-season pollinators, followed by clusters of blue, grape-like berries that are edible, although they are quite tart. They are best enjoyed cooked, such as in jellies, jams, or pies, rather than eaten raw. The birds and small mammals will also feast on the berries. Easy to grow and low-maintenance, Oregon Grape Holly is ideal as a specimen, grouping, or hedge in partially to fully shaded landscapes, woodland borders, and home foundation plantings. It pairs beautifully with other types of Mahonia, Aucuba, Illicium (Anise), Cast Iron Plant, Hosta lilies, Heuchera, perennial ferns, and other shade-loving plants and trees.

Growing 4 to 6 feet tall and 3 to 5 feet wide, the Oregon Grape Holly is ideal for use as an accent in smaller garden spaces. Where space allows, it can be grouped or planted as a natural hedge. It is also a lovely accent in home foundation plantings and a fine addition to shade gardens, yellow-themed gardens, cottage gardens, rock gardens, Asian gardens, woodland gardens, and tropical look gardens. Consider Creeping Jenny or Vinca minor (Evergreen Periwinkle) as an underplanting. 

Suggested Spacing:  2.5 -3′ apart for solid hedges or groupings; 7 feet or more apart for space between plants

Oregon Grape Holly is easy to grow in moist, well-drained soil of average fertility and partial to full shade. Morning and/or evening sun is okay, but do avoid afternoon sun. That said, in cool summer climates, it is reported to grow well in full sun. It is drought-tolerant when established and very easy to maintain, requiring little or no pruning.

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