Photo of Mahonia aquifolium 'Apollo' foliage by plant lust

Photo by plant lust

This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic license.

Show all photos

Mahonia aquifolium 'Apollo'

Also Known As

  • Berberis aquifolium 'Apollo'
  • Oregon Grapeholly

Plant type

shrub, groundcover

size

  • H: 18"-36"
  • W: 24"-48"

planting zones

  • 7a-9b

More Options

Mahonia aquifolium 'Apollo' plant details

Mahonia aquifolium 'Apollo' is a broadleaf evergreen groundcover shrub with green foliage. In spring yellow flowers emerge followed by black fruit. Features glossy texture. Grows well with mostly sun - shade and occasional water. Drought tolerant once established. Does well in clay and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something seaside / salt tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Mahonia aquifolium 'Apollo'

Plant type: groundcover shrub
Plant family: berberidaceae
Foliage: evergreen green
Mature size: 24 IN - 48 IN - wide, 18 IN - 36 IN - tall
Flowers: yellow blooms in spring
Uses: easy-to-grow, spiky, winter interest, woodland garden

GROWING CONDITIONS for Mahonia aquifolium 'Apollo'

USDA Zones: 7a - 9b
Sun exposure: mostly sun - shade
Watering frequency: occasional
Resistant to: deer, seaside / salt
Soil needs: clay and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Low-growing groundcover with golden-orange flowers. Grows to 24" tall.

By: Greer Gardens Inc.

Useful evergreen shrub, this one a very dwarf selection of native A. aquifolium, low-growing to only 18" tall and 5 ft. wide. Easily trimmed. New foliage is glossy and light green to coppery-green. Large clusters of bright yellow flowers in early spring are followed by blue-black edible berries. Enjoys well-drained soil in part shade to shade. Summer water, at least occasionally, improves appearance. Does well on the coast. Frost hardy to -20F, USDA zone 5.
The normal species of Mahonia aquifolium is an unruly spreader with small cluster of bright yellow flowers. M. a 'Apollo' came to us from Europe and only gets 18" tall and has very large bright yellow flower clusters. This plant is a superior variety well worth growing.

Gardening facts about Mahonia aquifolium 'Apollo' plant

How to Grow Mahonia aquifolium 'Apollo'

  • Sun Exposure

    • mostly sun - shade
  • Water Needs

    • occasional - drought tolerant
  • Soil Needs

    • clay
    • well-drained
  • Special Situation

    • seaside / salt tolerant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • yellow
  • Wildlife

    • deer resistant
  • Fruit

    • black
  • Flower Season

    • spring
  • Foliage Season

    • evergreen
  • Texture

    • glossy

See other plant types of Mahonia for your garden

aka Berberis x hortensis 'Arthur Menzies', Mahonia 'Arthur Menzies', Mahonia japonica x lomarifolia

Plant Type

Shrub

Zones

7a-9b

Size

Height: 6'-12'

Width: 4'-6'

  • sun - mostly shade
  • drought tolerant
Photo of Mahonia x media 'Arthur Menzies' flower, foliage by plant lust
View Plant

aka Berberis x hortensis 'Charity'

Plant Type

Shrub

Zones

7a-10b

Size

Height: 10'-15'

Width: 4'-12'

  • sun - mostly shade
  • even moisture - drought tolerant
Photo of Mahonia x media 'Charity' landscape by Danger Garden
View Plant

aka Berberis x hortensis 'Underway', Mahonia 'Underway'

Plant Type

Shrub

Zones

7a-10b

Size

Height: 8'

Width: 6'

  • sun - mostly shade
  • regular
Photo of Mahonia x media 'Underway' foliage by plant lust
View Plant

More Options

aka Berberis aquifolium 'Compacta', Mahonia aquifolium 'Compactum', Mahonia aquifolium cv. 'Compactum', Compact Oregon Grape

Plant Type

Shrub, Groundcover

Zones

5a-10b

Size

Height: 2'-3'

Width: 3'-4'

  • sun - mostly shade
  • even moisture - drought tolerant
  • dry in summer
Photo of Mahonia aquifolium 'Compacta' foliage by Native Sons
View Plant

More Options

aka Berberis aquifolium var. dictyota, Berberis dictyota, Mahonia aquifolium var. dictyota, Jepson's Oregon Grape, Shining Netvein Barberry

Plant Type

Shrub

Zones

7a-10b

Size

Height: 1'-6'

Width: 1'-6'

  • sun
  • low - drought tolerant
  • dry in summer
Photo of Mahonia dictyota flower, foliage by Stan Shebs
View Plant
+46 more Mahonia
Mailing List
Sign Up for updates on new plant arrivals and deals

© 2010—2026 Plant Lust, LLC All Rights Reserved