Species leatherleaf mahonia
clusters of velvety, small, oblong blue berries along pale-red, rough stems, and glossy, dark-green leaves

leatherleaf mahonia

Mahonia bealei

Leatherleaf mahonia (Mahonia bealei) is a tall shrub native to parts of the United States. It is most often found in wooded areas and can grow up to 10 feet (3 m) tall. It produces small, yellow flowers in early spring. These flowers give way to blue-black berries later in the season. This plant is characterized by its leathery, glossy green foliage and bristly, toothed leaflets. Leatherleaf mahonia is a slow-growing shrub and is tolerant of both shade and drought. It is often used as a low-maintenance, evergreen foliage in garden beds or as an ornamental to draw birds and wildlife to a yard.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Cutting,Layering Propagation,Division,Seed Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

7 - 9

Flowers:

Yellow Flowers

Sun:

Part shade,full shade

Fruits:

blue,purple Fruits Ready In Winter

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

High

Maintenance:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Thorny:

Yes

Invasive:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Leatherleaf mahonia (Mahonia bealei) prefers regular and consistent watering. Water deeply approximately once per week. In dry summer conditions, water plants more often, allowing the soil to dry to a depth of 3-4 inches between waterings. The preferred soil type is moist, well-drained and acidic. Inspect the top few inches of soil for dryness before watering. If the top of the soil is dry, it is time to water. Be careful not to overwater as it can lead to root rot.

sunlight

Leatherleaf mahonia is an evergreen shrub that thrives in partial to full shade and does best with 3-5 hours of direct sunlight per day. It prefers early morning sun, with afternoon shade. It can withstand more sun in cooler climates or when planted near a source of water. When planted in a more shaded area, it may require more frequent watering.

pruning

Leatherleaf Mahonia (Mahonia bealei) should be pruned twice a year, once in early spring before new growth begins and again in early summer to maintain shape and size. During the early spring pruning, remove any dead, damaged, or diseased parts of the plant and deadhead any spent flower stems. In early summer, prune the plant to the desired shape and size, limiting the maximum height and width. It is also important to leave enough foliage at the base of the plant to ensure healthy growth. Mahonia bealei should not be pruned excessively, as this reduces flowering and the desirable foliage.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Harvest Fruit

The best time to start harvesting the fruits from Mahonia bealei is usually in late summer or early fall, typically between August and October.

Starts Flowering

Leatherleaf mahonia typically begins flowering in late winter or early spring, usually between February and April.

Starts Flowering

Leatherleaf mahonia typically begins flowering in late winter or early spring, usually between February and April.

Harvest Fruit

The best time to start harvesting the fruits from Mahonia bealei is usually in late summer or early fall, typically between August and October.

Hardiness Map