Photo of Mahonia bealei foliage by Hoot Owl Hollow Nursery

Photo by Hoot Owl Hollow Nursery

Used with permission, all rights reserved

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Mahonia bealei

Also Known As

  • Berberis bealei
  • Mahonia japonica 'Bealei'
  • Beale's Barberry
  • Bealei Leatherleaf Mahonia
  • Bealei Oregon Grape Holly
  • Leatherleaf Mahonia

Plant type

shrub

size

  • H: 6'-10'
  • W: 4'-5'

planting zones

  • 6a-9b

More Options

Mahonia bealei plant details

Mahonia bealei is a broadleaf evergreen shrub with green foliage. In spring yellow flowers emerge followed by black and blue fruit. Features glossy texture. Attracts birds. Grows well with bright shade - mostly shade and even moisture - low water. Adapts to various soil conditions. Does well in acidic, alkaline, average, clay, rich and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something seaside / salt tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Mahonia bealei

Plant type: shrub
Plant family: berberidaceae
Foliage: evergreen green
Mature size: 4 FT - 5 FT - wide, 6 FT - 10 FT - tall
Flowers: yellow blooms in spring
Uses: cutting garden, easy-to-grow, fragrant, hedge

GROWING CONDITIONS for Mahonia bealei

USDA Zones: 6a - 9b
Sun exposure: bright shade - mostly shade
Watering frequency: even moisture - low
Resistant to: deer, seaside / salt
Soil needs: acidic, alkaline, average, clay, rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

The lustrous compound leaves of this interesting, upright, Chinese shrub are up to 18" long and much broader than those of other Mahonia species. The foliage is placed so densely on the stem that the individual leaves overlap at times. Erect spikes of sweetly-scented yellow flowers in early spring become long clusters of striking, dusty-blue fruits. This striking and unusual 6-10' shrub should be planted in way more gardens! PSh/M
Pick-of-the-crop in a useful genus. Very strong in form and foliage with an architectural texture. A shade plant for difficult conditions. 4-5? in ten years, matures at 6-10? tall. Awards: Award of Merit from the Royal Horticultural Society, Gold Medal from Pennsylvania Horticulural Society. Recommended by: Garden Clubs of America, the United States National Arboretum.

By: Fantastic Plants

This is a unique, erect growing, beautiful shrub with large, evergreen, holly-like leaves. This Mahonia produces spikes of fragrant, golden yellow flowers above the foliage in late winter and early spring, followed by grape-like clusters of bluish-purple berries that are loved by birds. It is easy to maintain with little care in ground or containers.

Gardening facts about Mahonia bealei plant

How to Grow Mahonia bealei

  • Sun Exposure

    • bright shade - mostly shade
  • Water Needs

    • even moisture - low
  • Soil Needs

    • clay
    • acidic
    • alkaline
    • adaptable
    • average
    • well-drained
    • rich
  • Special Situation

    • seaside / salt tolerant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • yellow
  • Wildlife

    • birds
    • deer resistant
  • Fruit

    • blue
    • black
  • Flower Season

    • spring
  • Foliage Season

    • evergreen
  • Texture

    • glossy
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