Mahonia japonica is one of the most popular winter-flowering evergreen shrubs and originates in semi-woodland regions of China and Japan. It is closely related to berberis, but has larger, bolder leaves.

This evergreen Asian shrub has architecturally strong, angular leaves that are slightly spiny with the top surface a deep glossy green with a paler underside. Mahonia japonica will flower intermittently from late autumn through to early spring, providing 12in (30cm) long trails of blossom, which look splendid in floral arrangements. Once the worst of the winter weather has passed, its flower stems of primrose yellow blooms will continue to open, sending their strong scent into the air. It takes no more than one or two stems to fill a room with perfume. The blooms are followed by a display of blue-black fruits. It tolerates dappled sunshine, and even full sun in a north facing garden. In an area where summers are hot, plant out of the full sun.

Plant well rooted specimens at any time of the year, but not when in very dry, wet or frosty. While fully frost tolerant, Mahonia japonica should be planted in a sheltered spot out of the wind. The flowers are tough, but liable to be damaged if exposed to strong winds and the leaves will become scorched.

Pruning can help stop Mahonia from getting leggy and developing a less erect habit. Remove any thin and straggly growth in spring. When buying a new plant, select one with plenty of bud breaks from the base.

Growing Requirements

Soil
Grow on slightly acidic to neutral soil and include some well-rotted organic matter and some horticultural grit on heavier soils. The plants will tolerate chalky soils. Moist soil conditions, but not overly wet in winter, will provide this shrub with the best growing conditions.

Size
Plants can reach a height of 8ft (2.2m) and spread up to 10ft (3m).

Propagation
Mahonia japonica can be propagated by taking semi-ripe cuttings in midsummer.

Family: Berberidaceae
Genus: Mahonia