Photo of Mahonia nevinii flower by Stan Shebs

Photo by Stan Shebs

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Mahonia nevinii

Scientific Name: Alloberberis nevinii

Also Known As

  • Berberis nevinii
  • Nevin's Barberry

Plant type

shrub

size

  • H: 5'-12'
  • W: 5'-12'

planting zones

  • 6a-11

More Options

Mahonia nevinii plant details

Mahonia nevinii is a broadleaf evergreen shrub with green foliage. In spring yellow flowers emerge followed by red fruit. Attracts bees, birds and hummingbirds making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun - mostly shade and occasional - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Prefers to be dry in summer. Does well in average, clay and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Mahonia nevinii

Plant type: shrub
Plant family: berberidaceae
Foliage: evergreen green
Mature size: 5 FT - 12 FT - wide, 5 FT - 12 FT - tall
Flowers: yellow blooms in spring
Uses: easy-to-grow, edging plant, spiky, year round interest

GROWING CONDITIONS for Mahonia nevinii

USDA Zones: 6a - 11
Sun exposure: sun - mostly shade
Watering frequency: occasional - low
Resistant to: deer, heat
Soil needs: average, clay and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Unusual evergreen with small, tough ashen-colored leaves, often with rosy margins and always armed with intimidating spines. Growing 3-12' with an almost arching form, it is well used as an attractive barrier plant bearing bright yellow springtime flowers and "translucent red berries" that attract western blue-birds mid-summer to fall. A native treasure with an astonishing range of tolerances, mature plants require only occasional water. Hardy to 0 °F and below. Southern California.
Striking evergreen mahonia with unusual blue foliage edged with startlingly sharp spines. Reaches 5 ft tall x 5 ft wide, it's spiny blueness offering bright yellow flowers in early spring followed by translucent red berries. Deer don't enjoy it but birds do. Tolerates difficult, droughty situations in poor soil and bright light to part shade. Creates an extremely effective barrier or single specimen away from paths. A rare California native and surprisingly cold tolerant, to at least -10 °F, USDA zone 6. Berberis nevinii is a synonym and, for some, the preferred name.

Gardening facts about Mahonia nevinii plant

How to Grow Mahonia nevinii

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - mostly shade
  • Water Needs

    • occasional - drought tolerant
  • Water Needs

    • dry in summer
  • Soil Needs

    • clay
    • average
    • well-drained
  • Special Situation

    • heat tolerant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • yellow
  • Wildlife

    • birds
    • bees
    • hummingbirds
    • deer resistant
  • Fruit

    • red
  • Flower Season

    • spring
  • Foliage Season

    • evergreen
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