Photo of Mahonia aquifolium 'Compacta' foliage by Native Sons

Photo by Native Sons

Used with permission, all rights reserved

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Mahonia aquifolium 'Compacta'

Also Known As

  • Berberis aquifolium 'Compacta'
  • Mahonia aquifolium 'Compactum'
  • Mahonia aquifolium cv. 'Compactum'
  • Compact Oregon Grape

Plant type

shrub, groundcover

size

  • H: 2'-3'
  • W: 3'-4'

planting zones

  • 5a-10b

More Options

Mahonia aquifolium 'Compacta' plant details

Mahonia aquifolium 'Compacta' is a broadleaf deciduous or evergreen groundcover shrub with green foliage. In spring yellow flowers emerge followed by black and blue fruit. Attracts bees, beneficial insects, birds and hummingbirds making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun - mostly shade and even moisture - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Prefers to be dry in summer. Adapts to various soil conditions. Does well in acidic, average, clay, gritty, lean, rich, rocky and well-drained soil.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Mahonia aquifolium 'Compacta'

Plant type: groundcover shrub
Plant family: berberidaceae
Foliage: deciduous or evergreen green
Mature size: 3 FT - 4 FT - wide, 2 FT - 3 FT - tall
Flowers: yellow blooms in spring
Uses: easy-to-grow, fall color, year round interest

GROWING CONDITIONS for Mahonia aquifolium 'Compacta'

USDA Zones: 5a - 10b
Sun exposure: sun - mostly shade
Watering frequency: even moisture - low
Resistant to: deer and snail / slug
Soil needs: acidic, average, clay, gritty, lean, rich, rocky and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

A denser and more compact form of Oregon Grape, growing only 3-4' high, rather than 8-10'; nice yellow flowers but little fruit set. S-PSh/M-D
An exceptional native groundcover growing 18-24" high. Well used in parking medians where the spiny leaves discourage foot-traffic.
Yellow flowers. Compact green leaves.
Yellow flowers spring, blue-black berries in clusters. Evergreen. Bronzy red fall color. Hardy to zone 5.

Gardening facts about Mahonia aquifolium 'Compacta' plant

How to Grow Mahonia aquifolium 'Compacta'

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - mostly shade
  • Water Needs

    • even moisture - drought tolerant
  • Water Needs

    • dry in summer
  • Soil Needs

    • clay
    • acidic
    • adaptable
    • average
    • lean
    • well-drained
    • rich
    • rocky
    • gritty

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • yellow
  • Wildlife

    • beneficial insects
    • birds
    • bees
    • hummingbirds
    • deer resistant
    • snail / slug resistant
  • Fruit

    • blue
    • black
  • Flower Season

    • spring
  • Foliage Season

    • evergreen
    • deciduous
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