Every year, when gardeners open a plant catalog, they learn something new. Yes, we have a lot of native and beloved shrubs, conifers, and flowers. Some new items have already taken root in the garden plot. But you always want your garden to be different from others with a new, unusual crop. Mahonia holly, which will be discussed, belongs to precisely this culture.

Description of the plant

The evergreen shrub of the Barabaris family has many advantages:

• beautiful due to its leathery, shiny, prickly leaves,
• unusual due to the fragrant clusters of yellow flowers,
• you can get a harvest of edible, sour berries,
• The bark covered with cracks looks unusual.

Hence the many names: lily of the valley bush due to the shape of the flowers, holly grapes for the leaves resembling holly leaves, and berries similar to bunches of grapes. Throughout the year the shrub looks decorative.

Mahonia holly (Oregon grape), in comparison with its closest relatives, is undemanding to growing conditions and is cold-resistant. The bush grows wider rather than higher. Reaching a height of 1 m, it has a width of 1.5 m. It spreads quickly due to root shoots. Any conditions are suitable for growth.

In the Moscow region, mahonia begins to bloom in mid-spring. The berries can be harvested at the end of summer. The flowers are small and yellow, but due to the fact that they are collected in inflorescences, they look decorative. They have a rich aroma. Mahonia tolerates mild return frosts during flowering.

The leaves are compound, collected from about 20 leaflets, each of which has a spine at the end. Overall size the leaf is 40cm in length. In summer the leaves are green-gray, and in autumn-winter they become bronze or yellow-red. Reddish tint petioles are also acquired.

The berries are dark purple with a bluish bloom, sour in taste, very rich in vitamin C. They create an exotic contrast: they look unusual against the background of bronze leaves. They also make wine, compotes, and jam.

The roots contain berberine, a substance that is used medicinally for its antibacterial properties. Recent developments by scientists have revealed the ability of this compound to stop the development of tumors. It is also used in the preparation of bitter tonics.

The best varieties of this species include Apollo and Compasta. Magonia holly Apollo, a photo of which you can see just below in the gallery, is characterized by lush flowering, a compact crown and slow growth.

Mahonia aquifolium - Apollo Mahonia

How to plant correctly?

The shrub is undemanding to soil conditions. This is due to the fact that the root system lies deep and can independently extract nutrients and moisture. But it's better if it is fertile, slightly acidic and well-drained soil. Stagnant water and alkaline soils are not for her.

Loves the sun, but can also grow in partial shade. If you plan to create a hedge, then it is better to choose an open place: here the bushes will be denser and lush. You can plant shrubs in groups.

Important to know: Under natural conditions, mahonia grows in light partial shade. Therefore, the bright sun may cause burns on the leaves. Strong winds also have an adverse effect on bushes.

Plantings create:

• for landscaping lawns and squares,
• along streets and highways (tolerates polluted air well),
• as a hedge or low border in a garden plot.

In a word, the “unusual beauty” is magnificent everywhere. She multiplies seeds, cuttings, root shoots, dividing the bush. Since Mahonia produces a lot of root shoots, we use it for propagation. Landing involves the following actions:

1. Choose an open place with light, well-drained soil.
2. We are waiting for warm spring days so that the bush takes root well over the summer.
3. We plant in planting holes 50 cm deep, without deepening the root collar.
4. We maintain a distance of up to a meter between plants. If we create, then half a meter will be enough.
5. Water the soil, lightly compact it, and mulch.

Gradually, the red-violet bush will begin to grow, but it grows for a long time, expanding well in breadth. Therefore, emerging pruning may be necessary.

Care, cultivation

Mahonia requires minimal care, so without much hassle, enjoy the magnificent appearance of the “overseas beauty” and stock up on berries rich in vitamins. Let's say a few words about the most necessary activities:

1. Required regular watering and mulching to retain moisture.
2. Mahonia loves sprinkling (spraying on leaves) and foliar feeding, recommended once a month.
3. Pruning begins when the plant reaches the age of 10 years. It gives the bushes a compact and well-groomed appearance. It is carried out in the spring before the onset of sap flow. The shrub tolerates pruning and shaping normally.
4. The first fertilizing with complex fertilizer is carried out in the spring., scattering it at the base of the bush.
5. Pests do not like its leathery leaves, she gets sick under unfavorable environmental conditions. Mahonia is affected by the most common fungal infections, which can be destroyed with targeted fungicides.

Attention! In order for clusters of berries to appear on Mahonia, several specimens need to be planted on the site, since the plant is cross-pollinated.

Mahonia Atropurpurea

Varieties for the Moscow region

Types and varieties of mahonia are distinguished by excellent decorative qualities.

The variety may not be so great, but these varieties tolerate the climate near Moscow and can surprise residents middle zone with its unusual beauty. What do they look like in garden design, you can see in the photo below. Spectacular border of blooming mahonia:

For information: There is a hybrid of mahonia holly and common barberry - Newbert's magobarberry. It is a beautiful evergreen shrub has similarities with barberry and mahonia.

Mahonia in landscape design

"Exotic beauty" Mahonia is widely used in landscape architecture. And there is every reason for this:

1. Mahonia can be planted in any corner or area of ​​the garden. It will look great everywhere.
2. Can be used as a second tier when planting, for example, with conifers. It will look great in the shade of their crowns.
3. It also looks very original with low-growing flowers and shrubs. For example, among heather species, creeping juniper,. Good in surroundings, dicenters, .
4. It is easy to combine with any flora of the site. The main thing is to show your imagination and mahonia will sparkle with new colors.
5. By creating unusual landscape compositions with the help of this shrub, you will emphasize the individuality of your site.
6. A living wall or border will add a unique flavor to the path along which it is planted.
7. Considering its ability to grow well in city conditions, mahonia will decorate parks, squares, alleys, and recreation areas.

This is a wonderful plant that deserves close attention. And considering biological features, this crop can be grown even by not the most experienced gardener. This is another “overseas miracle” that will help paint our lives with bright colors.

Video review

A detailed story about the plant from the Garden World video channel

Mahonia aquifolium (lat. Mahonia aquifolium) are shrubs or even small trees that belong to the Barberry family. This plant is also considered an evergreen, thanks to its ability to withstand cold and survive even under a blanket of snow. Mahonia is considered one of the significant components of landscape design, as well as an excellent alternative to such a hedge. The shrub is named after the Irish botanist B. McMahon, who at one time was engaged in transporting plants from the West of the country to the East of the United States in order to adapt them to local climatic conditions. In its homeland, namely on the American continent, the plant is called “Oregon grape.”

Mahonia is an excellent hedge option

Description

Mahonia is not particularly widespread in our area, but in appearance, namely the inflorescence, it is very reminiscent of the familiar mimosa. However, upon closer observation, the differences become obvious. The predominant color of the bark is gray. As already noted, it can grow as a small tree and in the form of a shrub. The plant has dense, leathery leaves with a shiny surface and sharp-toothed edges. IN summer period they are predominantly green in color, but when the cold season sets in, they change their color to brown-purple, sometimes even with purple tint. Mahonia inflorescences consist of many small bright yellow flowers, about 7 mm in diameter, collected in racemes or panicles. The peak of flowering occurs in the middle - end of spring. At the end of summer, you can observe the results of full ripening as fruit. The berries are small, semi-oval, dark blue in color with a matte finish. In the middle they are dark red in color with black shiny and oblong seeds.

Mahonia with fruits

Types and varieties

The most famous species are considered . He is a native inhabitant of northern America. The name speaks for itself, a relatively low, spreading shrub. The height reaches half a meter, small branches bear from three to seven simple, sharp-toothed leaves along the outer edge (on average 5 cm), blue-green in color, with a matte coating. The berries are dark blue in color, with a small fluffy layer on top. The main flowering period occurs at the end of spring, ripens by September. Of the varieties of this species, Denver Strain is a frequent flower guest.

Creeping Mahonia (Mahonia repens)

No less recognized species is considered mahonia holly. A frequent visitor to the natural conditions of the northern part of the American continent. Gardeners also grow this crop in other regions of the United States, and forest areas are no exception. The mahonia shrub can reach one meter in length, creating impenetrable jungle due to root shoots. Young plants have gray-pink bark, while mature plants have dark gray bark. The foliage, as well as other species, is toothed, from 15 to 20 cm in length, shiny on top and matte on the bottom, dark green in color. It has bright yellow, lemon-tinged small flowers that are collected in panicles. The plant blooms in the second half of spring and bears fruit in early autumn.

Mahonia aquifolia

Another type is Mahonia japonica. The plant is cultivated in the gardens of distant Japan and China, in natural conditions does not grow. This species is a relatively short tree, the height of which can reach 4 m, with vertically erect branches. It has gray bark. The leaves have an oblong curved shape, up to 50 cm long. There are about 13 simple leaves on them. The inflorescences are presented in the form of dense brushes that form a large number of small flowers, up to 1 cm in size.

The smell of the flowers is very reminiscent of the aroma of lily of the valley; they have yellowish petals. The fruits are in the form of a matte blue berry, up to 1 cm in size, covered with a small layer of wax. The flowering period begins in May - June, the fruits ripen by the month of September. Among this species, the Chereti variety is quite famous.

Japanese Mahonia (Mahonia japonica)

Mahonia lomariifolia. Characteristic feature This species is not tall, but the inflorescences are quite long, about 30 cm. The native countries of the plant are considered to be the countries of China.

Mahonia lomariifolia

Mahonia Fremonti. One of the varieties of shrubs reaching a height of 3 m. Distinctive feature is the presence of gray-green foliage.

Depending on the age, the plant is able to change their color: young ones are purple, mature ones are green, and old ones are gray.

Inflorescences are pale yellow in color. Fruits with dark red berries. Native of western Central America. Very often, Mahonia can be successfully crossed with other representatives of the Barberry species, because their difference is minimal and lies in the presence or, conversely, absence of spines. For example, one of the results of such a successful crossing of “Mahonia subbolifolia” and “common barberry” is a hybrid plant called Megabarberry Newberg. Quite a pretty shrub, reaching one meter in height. Belongs to frost-resistant representatives. Peak flowering begins in the second half of spring. It has eight centimeter racemes, consisting of small flowers of bright yellow color, has light pleasant smell. But as a result of crossing Mahonia “lomarifolia” and “Japanese”, a hybrid was obtained, which is called the “Winter Sun”. The name is not accidental, since flowering occurs in the winter, which, accordingly, complicates the growing process. The height of the plant is about 2 m.

Mahonia fremontii

Mahonia bractae. Decorative look, having leaves of a narrow, refined shape. One of the best options for growing in pots. Participant in international competitions, winner of awards.

Mahonia eurybracteata

Growing and care process

The plant is not a demanding species. The process of growth and development can occur anywhere: in the sun or in a shady area. It grows slowly.

The soil for mahonia should be loose and fertile. The best option would be soil that includes garden soil, humus and sand.

If the predominant soil composition is clay, there is a need for drainage system. The planting process is carried out at a depth of half a meter, pre-moistened. The bush needs feeding at the beginning spring period, before flowering. In this case, you can use nitroammophoska or other mineral fertilizers. During rainy summers, watering is not recommended, but if there is no precipitation for a long time, then the plant can be moistened every 14 days. The soil around the mahonia should be fluffed periodically to avoid compaction. Before the onset of winter, you should thoroughly mulch the soil with sawdust or pine needles to protect the root system from freezing. Since the growth process is very slow, mahonia shrubs do not need pruning. Moreover, this species is not particularly tall and tall.

At the end of flowering, the plant can be given shape by cutting off everything unnecessary, but this should be done no more than half the length, so as not to weaken the flowering process for the next year.

Reproduction

The reproduction process is carried out in three most common ways:

1. using seeds;
2. using cuttings;
3. due to root layering.

If we talk about the first method, it should be noted that the optimal time for planting is autumn. The seeds are first cleaned and dried, and then sown immediately in a permanent place. If you want to sow in the spring, then the main thing is not to forget about stratifying the seeds within four months, but if you sow in the fall, then this process will proceed naturally. Flowering of mahonia from seeds should be expected after 4 years. If you propagate mahonia using cuttings, then in this case it is important to remember that their preparations should consist only of young plants. You can also use root shoots to propagate the plant, but not every species has this ability. Most a win-win- this is the purchase of a ready-made two-year-old seedling. The most common are Mahonia subbolifolia seedlings. This is the most adapted species for our climatic conditions.

Disease and pest control

For mahonia, spotting, rust, phyllosticosis and stagonosporosis are terrible. To avoid various flower diseases, it is necessary to treat the plant with a preparation containing sulfur, using, for example, a solution copper sulfate. In the fight against fungal diseases, there is a need for a thorough inspection of the bush and disposal of infected leaves.

Application

The uses of Oregon grape are very wide.

In the past, Indian tribes used mahonia tea to dye fabric and leather items yellow. Today, knowing the exact recipe, you can also use the most ancient dyeing technology.

The plant also has nutritional properties. For example, it is used in the manufacture of confectionery products or as a coloring component for compote, jelly or wine product. Mahonia is considered medicinal plant using it for tinctures and decoctions. On its native side, it is actively used in medical purposes for the treatment of disorders, gout, rheumatism, kidney diseases, liver and gall bladder. Its help is invaluable in the treatment of skin diseases, due to the presence of alkaloids in it. However, the most common use of mahonia is in landscape design. It is often used for landscaping garden plots and park areas. Low shrubs are a good equivalent to a hedge. The plant harmonizes perfectly among stones or near the walls of a house, in combination with other ornamental crops, for example, roses. Bouquets with Mahonia inflorescences or leaves are not uncommon.

Mahonia in landscaping garden plots (video)

The barberry shrub, which combines both decorativeness and tasty berries, has long been valued in Europe. But it rarely took root in gardens because of the many sharp thorns that literally strewn its branches. Many botanists sought to obtain thornless barberry, including the first Russian agronomist A. T. Bolotov, who recommended including this plant in garden plantings. But in the 19th century to Europe from North America They brought in a distant relative of the prickly barberry. The thornless beauty received the name “holly mahonia.”

Mahonia - in honor of the American scientist, author of the American Garden Calendar, which was published in 1806 by Bernard M'Mahon. And the plant received the attributive adjective “holly-leaved” for the similarity of its leaf blades with holly (otherwise holly) - a plant of the holly family.

Biological features

Characteristic

Mahonia holly is an evergreen shrub of the Mahonia genus from the Barberry family. It rarely reaches one and a half meters in height, mostly the tops of its branches are at a meter height.

Without pruning, Mahonia holly grows strongly due to root shoots and can form a thorn-free hedge, which is widely used in modern landscape design. The bark of the branches is initially pink-gray and changes to dark gray with characteristic veins with age.

Mahonia leaves are compound, imparipinnate, containing from five to nine sharp leaf blades, making up the total length of the leaf up to twenty centimeters.

The yellow flowers are very small, only about eight millimeters in diameter, and they are collected in panicle inflorescences. For this feature, the plant is also called “lily of the valley bush”.

Sweet and sour berries of Magonia holly found wide application in cooking. Oblong-elliptical in shape, they have a length of up to one centimeter and a width of up to eight millimeters. Their bluish-black color with an abundant bluish coating gives them an external resemblance to some grape varieties. It is not for nothing that mahonia is often called “holly grape” by people.

Decorativeness

Mahonia blooms late spring, by the end of May, low bushes are covered with lemon-yellow caps of inflorescences. Flowering lasts about two weeks.

In addition to beautiful flowers, mahonia is also very decorative due to its originally colored foliage. The leaves are dark red in the fall and winter and change to a dark green color in the spring. You can see how mahonia leaves look in holly winter in the following photo.

Edibility

The taste of mahonia berries is reminiscent of barberry, for which the plant has another popular name - “holly barberry”. The fresh berries are eaten for dessert, and are also added to fruit salads and breakfast cereals, such as muesli.

Another way to use mahonia holly berries is as a food coloring for jelly, wine or compote. When mahonia berries are added to the drink, its color takes on a rich ruby ​​hue.

Mahonia breeding enthusiasts make jam and jam from its berries. They say the taste is simply amazing.

1. Sort the berries, rinse and blanch in boiling water for 5-6 minutes.
2. Drain in a colander and pour into 60% sugar syrup.
3. Bring to a boil over low heat.
4. Transfer to an enamel bowl and let sit for 10-14 hours.
5. Cook until cooked, at the end of cooking add citric acid at the rate of 1 gram per liter of jam.

Mahonia as a medicine

Like other plants of the barberry family, mahonia contains a lot of berberine, a strong alkaloid, which is why the plant is used as a medicinal plant.

The medicinal properties of mahonia holly have been used since ancient times by the Indians of North America. Currently, medicines for diseases such as:

• diarrhea;
• dyspepsia;
• gout;
• rheumatism;
• kidney diseases;
• liver diseases;
• diseases of the gallbladder (as a choleretic agent);
• skin diseases associated with metabolic disorders;
• psoriasis.

Recipe for Mahonia holly tincture:

1. One part of the dried bark or apical shoots of the plant is poured with ten parts of vodka.
2. Leave in a dark place for about seven days.
3. Take 5-15 drops per day (although self-medication is dangerous, it is better to consult a doctor).

Recipe for gout:

1. Dried mahonia flowers in the amount of one teaspoon are poured with three hundred grams of boiling water.
2. Infuse the solution until cooled.
3. Take 70 grams of tincture three times a day before meals (again, do not forget to consult a doctor).

Mahonia as a dye

If you break a branch of a plant in your hand, you will see a bright yellow color on the break. The juices of the plant were widely used by North American Indians to dye fabrics and leather. Below we will publish old recipe dyeing, it works well for silk or wool.

1. Take 100 grams of bark or finely chop branches of Mahonia holly for every liter of water.
2. Pour boiling water over the twigs or bark.
3. Add a little citric or acetic acid.
4. Boil for 30 minutes.
5. Let sit until cool.
6. Turn the heat back on and reduce the solution by half.
7. Place fabric or yarn in the solution and place in a water bath for one hour.
8. Then rinse the fabric in clean water and dry.

Before you decide to dye a valuable T-shirt or tank top, practice on a piece of fabric, such as a handkerchief or other small, low-value item of clothing.

Types and varieties

Up to this point, we have considered Holly mahonia as the only species and variety. However, botanists count over 50 species of Mahonia, some of which need to be discussed in more detail.

This species, unlike other mahonias, is native to the Asian continent. It is common in China, Japan and Southeast Asian countries. The species is distinguished by the height of the bush, which is up to two meters, and the bush itself reaches three meters in diameter. The flowers of plants of this species are also very beautiful; they look like plumes sticking up. Wide and long up to 40 centimeters leaves of Japanese mahonia complete the decorative effect of the entire bush.

Varieties and hybrids Japanese look Mahonia:

• Charity;
• Winter Sun;
• Bealei.

Wagner's Mahonia

Mahonia Wagner in its characteristics is very similar to Mahonia holly. A well-known variety is Undulata.

Most stunted look Mahonia, its height does not exceed half a meter. It is also the most frost-resistant species due to the fact that in winter it is almost always covered with snow. Mahonia repens is used as a cover plant.

Variety Apollo

The variety of mahonia holly, Apollo or Apollo, is the most common in our country, and European gardeners mainly cultivate this variety. In addition to it, you can also call the Kopmakto variety, which is similar to Apollo, only has a slightly smaller size.

Growing and care

If you are inspired by mahonia and have read this far, then it’s time to talk about how to grow and care for this interesting plant. As they write in many agrotechnical articles, growing mahonia does not present any particular difficulties.

Conditions

Mahonia is one of the most unpretentious plants among ornamental shrubs. It can grow in both sun and partial shade, on neutral and slightly acidic soils. The only thing that barberries cannot tolerate is stagnation of groundwater in spring. The roots of the plant can rot if the soil moisture is high.

Growing and caring for mahonia holly will be simplified if you place the bushes in a place protected from northern winds: near a fence, or under protection big tree or tall dense bush.

Landing

Planting Mahonia holly is best done in the spring, as with most shrubs. When planting, seedlings are not pinched, but planted as they are with a lump of earth.

A mandatory agrotechnical technique when planting mahonia is mulching. For this, it is best to use manure humus or garden compost; looser materials, such as hay or straw, are best crushed before laying on the soil.

Care

Oregon grapes are very easy to care for; you can say plant them and forget them. All caring for holly mahonia consists of maintaining a thick mulch layer and spring sanitary pruning.

In addition to sanitary pruning after flowering, formative pruning of Mahonia holly is carried out. Rather, it can be called pruning, since it is carried out to shorten excessively elongated shoots.

Another job for caring for mahonia is to cover the bushes for the winter, although if mahonia grows in an area with high snow cover, this is not required. Before sheltering, the branches are bent to the ground and pinned, and the bushes are covered with leaf litter or spruce branches. It is also possible to use straw mats.

Advice. Very good shelter for shrubs for the winter provides combination nonwoven fabric and organic-filled mats. First, covering material is thrown onto the bushes pressed to the ground, and bags loosely filled with hay, straw, dry leaves or sawdust are laid out on top of it!

Although the mahonia holly plant is not an example of frost resistance, it tolerates both the winters of the Moscow region and Siberian frosts. Mahonia flowers do not suffer during recurrent frosts.

Reproduction of mahonias

Reproduction of mahonia holly is possible by cuttings, seeds, root shoots or layering.

The seed method is less desirable, because here we encounter certain difficulties:

1. The need to stratify seeds.
2. Most mahonias are hybrid in one way or another, so the likelihood of obtaining a varietal bush is low.
3. Long term for growing seedlings.
4. It takes a long time to wait for flowering, three whole years.

The other three methods do not have all these disadvantages. Both the cuttings of Mahonia holly and its shoots and layerings carry the characteristics of the parent plant with all its inherent varietal characteristics.

Semi-lignified cuttings are used; they are cut with 6-8 buds in spring or autumn. In March, the cuttings are treated with a solution of a root formation stimulator and put to germination, burying 2 buds in nutrient soil. It is advisable to create conditions under which the roots will be warm and the tops will be relatively cool. For example, we place the pot next to the radiator so that the top of the cutting is higher than the window sill.

The cuttings are bent in the spring and the branches are pinned to the ground, and in the fall they are separated from the mother bush. The percentage of obtaining high-quality seedlings is higher than when rooting cuttings.

If the mahonia bush has produced root shoots, then it can be considered an excellent material for propagating the variety.

Diseases and pests

There are no special pests on mahonia in our conditions, and the only diseases observed are powdery mildew and rust. When signs of these diseases appear, and they are the same as for other plants, it is necessary to treat with appropriate preparations.

From powdery mildew treated with whey with iodine (10 drops per 5 liters), or sprayed with a soap solution with the addition of copper-containing preparations.

In the fight against leaf rust, you can use any fungicide that destroys fungal diseases, for example, Bordeaux mixture.

In conclusion, we present a video about this interesting plant:

The Mahonia plant is represented by shrubs and trees and belongs to the barberry family. Mahonia in wild conditions can be found in the eastern and central regions of Asia, as well as in North America. This genus was named after the American gardener from Ireland Bernard McMahon, who acclimatized plants that he brought from the western part of the country to the eastern United States. He also became famous for being the first to create an American garden calendar. This genus includes approximately 50 species. Mahonia holly is the type species of this genus and is also called “Oregon grape” where it comes from. This shade-loving plant It is highly resistant to frost and drought, as well as undemanding to the soil.

Mahonia is an evergreen shrub, reaching a height of about 100 centimeters. It has abundant root growth. On old stems the bark is brown-gray, and on young stems it is grayish-pink. The odd-pinnate compound leaf blades have light red petioles and consist of 5–9 sharp-toothed, notched leaves, which reach 15–25 millimeters in width and 3–9 centimeters in length. These leaves are dark green, leathery, their front surface is shiny and the back surface is matte. Multi-flowered axillary racemose or paniculate inflorescences consist of bright flowers of a pale yellow color (sometimes found with a lemon tint), the diameter of which can reach 0.8 cm. The fruits are oblong-elliptical berries, painted black and blue, with a a thick coating of bluish-colored plaque, as well as a cannon. These berries reach 1 cm in length and 0.8 cm in width; they have a rather pleasant sweet and sour taste and are used in confectionery production, and they are also used to color wines. Flowering occurs in April and May, while the berries ripen in September or August.

In landscape design, this plant is used to create borders, low hedges, group plantings, it is also planted solo or used for lining tall shrubs. In winter, the shiny leaf blades change their color to green with a beautiful red tint. Also, this shrub looks very impressive during the ripening of purple-blue berries covered with a waxy coating.

Growing mahonia in open ground

What time to plant

Planting Mahonia in open ground produced in spring time. In this case, before the onset of frost, the plant will take root well and begin to grow actively. However, many gardeners quite successfully plant such shrubs both in summer and autumn. It should not be planted only in late autumn and winter.

For planting, you should choose a well-lit area that has reliable protection from strong gusts of wind. The shrub can also be grown in slight shade, but in this case there will definitely not be a rich harvest of berries. When choosing a place for planting, you should also take into account that direct rays of the sun can injure the delicate leaf plates of mahonia, so it is best that the selected area is in the lacy penumbra of tall trees.

The soil must be loose, rich in nutrients and rich in humus. In order to fill the planting hole when planting a seedling, prepare a mixture consisting of humus, turf soil and sand (2:1:1).

Landing Features

Preparing the pit for planting should be done half a month before the planned planting date. The size of the planting pit should be equal to 0.5 x 0.5 x 0.5 m. If the soil in the selected area is heavy clay, then the depth of the pit should be increased, since a drainage layer will need to be made at its bottom. After everything is ready, fill the hole ½ part with the earth mixture, the composition of which is described above. After 14 days, compaction and subsidence of this soil should occur. When creating a border or hedge, a distance of 100 centimeters should be maintained between specimens. If you are creating a loose planting, then the distance between the bushes should be two meters.

Before planting a seedling, carry out a thorough inspection of its root system, and you need to remove dried and diseased roots, and also shorten any that are too long. The cut areas should be sprinkled with crushed charcoal. When both the seedling and the planting hole are ready, you can begin planting. To do this, the root system must be placed in a hole, which is filled with earth mixture (its composition is described above). When planting, make sure that the root collar of the plant rises slightly above the soil surface. The soil in the tree trunk circle should be thoroughly compacted, and a roller of earth ten centimeters high should be made around the perimeter. Planted mahonia needs abundant watering, so 20 liters of water should be poured under each bush. After the liquid is completely absorbed into the ground, the surface of the tree trunk circle should be covered with a layer of mulch.

Mahonia care

Caring for mahonia is not much different from caring for others garden shrubs. Such a plant must be provided with systematic watering, timely feeding, weeding and loosening the soil. Sometimes in evening time it will be possible to spray the crown of the plant with water. The first pruning is done after the bush reaches 10 years of age. It is also necessary to treat mahonia from pests and diseases as necessary.

How to water

This moisture-loving plant especially needs abundant watering when young. After the seedling is planted, it is watered abundantly. When watering the bush, do not forget to spray its crown with water. It is recommended to water in the evening, when there is no longer scorching sunlight. Adult specimens need watering, as a rule, only during the dry period, and this procedure must be done twice a week, pouring 1 bucket of water under each bush. If it rains systematically, then it will be possible not to water the plants at all. The surface of the tree trunk circle must be loosened to a not very deep depth the next day after watering or precipitation.

Top dressing

Feeding the bush should be done twice per season, namely, at the very beginning of the spring and in May, before it blooms. Feeding the plant mineral complexes, for example, Kemira-universal or Nitroammofoskaya. 100 grams of nutrient are taken per 1 square meter. In autumn, the surface of the mahonia tree trunk circle must be covered with a five-centimeter layer of mulch (humus or compost). In spring, you should dig up the soil along with mulch.

Transfer

This shrub can be replanted throughout the growing season. However, it is better not to do this in late autumn, since with the onset of frost the plant may die due to the fact that it did not have time to take root properly. Mahonia tolerates transplantation quite well, and this procedure must be performed in almost the same way as the initial planting.

Trimming

In early spring, before the buds swell, you need to perform sanitary pruning. To do this, you need to cut off all injured, damaged by disease, pests or frost, as well as dried and weakened branches. In order to maintain the splendor and compactness of the bushes, they need to be cut after they fade or in the autumn. At the same time, remember that the formation of flower buds occurs on last year’s shoots, so they should be shortened by no more than ½ part. If the plant is already very old, then, if desired, you can perform anti-aging pruning, which the plant tolerates very well.

Preparing for winter

Since this plant is a perennial, it must be prepared for winter. If mahonia is grown in mid-latitudes or in Ukraine, then it will be able to overwinter without shelter. In the event that very Cold winter With virtually no snow, it is better to cover the bushes with spruce branches. If the plant is still young, then experienced gardeners They recommend that you always cover it with spruce branches for the winter.

Mahonia propagation

Mahonia can be propagated by seeds, cuttings and layering.

How to grow from seeds

Seeds are sown in open soil in the autumn immediately after collection, and they should be buried no more than 20 mm into the ground. Sowing can also be done in spring, but in this case the seeds will need to be stratified for 4 months at a temperature of 0–5 degrees. Newly emerged seedlings will need reliable protection from direct rays of the sun. In autumn, thinning or planting of seedlings in individual containers is carried out. After another 1–1.5 years, the seedlings can be transplanted into open ground to a permanent location. Do not forget to cover the young plants with spruce branches and cover them with snow during the first 2 or 3 winters. Such a shrub, grown generatively, will bloom only at the age of four.

Cuttings

Cuttings are harvested at the very beginning of spring before the buds swell. Remember that each cutting should have 6 buds. The cuttings should be immersed in a container of water placed in the garden, and only ½ of them should be in the liquid. After about 8 weeks, roots will grow from the buds that are located at the bottom of the cutting. After the roots reach 7 centimeters in length, the cuttings must be planted in open soil and covered on top with a plastic bottle, the neck of which has been previously cut off. After 1.5 weeks, the bottles are left only overnight and removed for the day, this will allow the plants to gradually get used to the new conditions.

In spring, you need to choose a strong shoot. It bends to the ground surface, is placed in a previously prepared groove and is fixed in this position. In this case, the top of the stem should remain above the soil surface. Then the groove must be filled with earth. When watering shrubs in summer time Don’t forget about layering. Rooted cuttings can be cut off from the parent bush and transplanted to a new permanent place only next spring.

Pests and diseases

Mahonia is very resistant to diseases and pests. However, in some cases, such a shrub is affected by fungal diseases such as rust, powdery mildew and spotting (stagonosporosis and phyllosticosis).

In order to get rid of powdery mildew, the affected shrub must be treated once every 10–12 days with a fungicide solution, for example, Topsin-M, Fundazol, Karatan, etc.

To cure mahonia from rust, it should be sprayed with fungicides such as: Abiga-Pik, Oksihom, Tsineb, Bayleton, etc.

If large brown spots appear on the leaf blades of a plant, this means that it is affected by phyllosticosis. On front side Pycnidia appear on such spots. During the season, such a fungus can produce several generations. Affected bushes lose their spectacular appearance, their leaf blades die off ahead of schedule, flowering becomes less lush and yields are significantly reduced.

If there are oval-shaped spots with a dark border along the edge of the leaf blades, this indicates that the bush is infected with stagonospora. Rounded pycnidia appear on the front surface of the spots. The infected shrub first loses its spectacular appearance and then dies completely.

To get rid of spots, it is necessary to collect and burn all overwintered foliage in the spring. Then the bushes are treated with Captan, Oksikhom or Fthalan. This must be done before sap flow begins.

Growing mahonia in the Moscow region

Mahonia should be cultivated in mid-latitudes in the same way as in regions with a less severe climate. This shrub has high frost resistance, and therefore is not afraid of frosty winters. But at the same time, it should be remembered that young bushes must be covered with spruce branches for the winter and covered with fallen snow so that the result is not a very large snowdrift.

Types and varieties of mahonia with photos and names

Creeping Mahonia (Mahonia repens)

The homeland of this species is North America, on this moment it is not very popular among gardeners. This shrub is very similar in appearance to Holly mahonia. The bush almost never exceeds half a meter in height. The leaf blades include from 3 to 7 ovate-rounded pale greenish-gray leaves; they are leathery and have a sharp-toothed edge. Inflorescences of yellow-lemon color appear in mid-May, and then again in the last days of September. The ripening of the berries ends in mid-August. This type has higher winter hardiness compared to holly mahonia, but its appearance is not as spectacular. There are 2 decorative forms:

1. Round-leaved. The leaf plate includes 5 rounded leaves.
2. Large-fruited.

Japanese Mahonia (Mahonia japonica)

Found naturally in Japan, America, China and Europe. Flowering is observed from the last days of December until the beginning of spring. Such a large bush can reach 200 centimeters in height. It has an unusual and extremely impressive shape. Its straight shoots stick out in different sides. It blooms with yellow racemose inflorescences, from which the aroma of lily of the valley emanates.

Mahonia Winter sun (Mahonia x media Winter sun)

This hybrid plant was obtained by crossing Mahonia lomariefolia and Mahonia japonica. The height of the bush is about 2 meters. In mid-latitudes, such a hybrid is cultivated only in greenhouses, since its flowering is observed in winter.

Mahonia fremontii

This species is native to the west coast of the United States and can reach 3 meters in height. The color of the inflorescences is light yellow, and the berries are purple-red. While the plant is young, its leaf blades have purple tint, the bushes of an adult are green, while those of an old one are bluish-gray.

Mahonia eurybracteata Soft Caress

This spectacular Chinese plant has very elegant thin leaf plates. As a rule, a container is used to grow this variety.

Mahonia neubertii

This semi-evergreen shrub is a hybrid; it was obtained by crossing common barberry and holly mahonia. This rare plant has a very impressive appearance. The height of the bush does not exceed 100 centimeters. The oblong-ovate leaf plates are similar in appearance to the foliage of barberry. There are no spines on the stems.

Mahonia holly

Such a common species as holly mahonia has the following varieties:

1. Nutifolia. This shrub has leaf blades located on red petioles and includes 7 leaves, which are somewhat denser and smaller than those of the main species.
2. Graceful. The leaf blades of this variety are longer compared to the main type.
3. Golden. The foliage color is golden yellow.
4. Motley. The leaf blades are multi-colored.

The most popular varieties of mahonia holly are:

1. Apollo. The variety was obtained in 1973 in Holland. The height of a bush with a compact crown can vary from 0.6 to 1 meter. The length of the leaf plates is about 30 centimeters, they contain from 5 to 7 leaflets with a sharp-toothed edge. In the summer they are colored green, and in August they have a bronze tint. Fragrant flowers painted in rich yellow color. There is a waxy coating on the surface of the black-blue berries.

Benefit

Mahonia fruits contain a lot of ascorbic acid, which helps strengthen the immune system. If you simply eat these fruits, you can strengthen the walls of blood vessels, improve lymph flow and speed up blood circulation. Mahonia also contains tannins, various types of alkaloids and organic acids.

The fruit also contains berberine, which helps protect bone marrow and helps the body recover in a short time after a course of radiation and chemotherapy. Scientists from Australia have found that berberine can increase insulin activity, and therefore began to use it during therapy complex shapes diabetes mellitus

An extract from the roots of this plant stimulates the choleretic function of the body, so it is used for gastritis, hepatocholecystitis, hepatitis, inflammation and blockage of the biliary tract and giardiasis. It is also used to eliminate edema, during the treatment of acne, eczema and herpes, and is also used to normalize the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and restore intestinal microflora. The hood also has an antibacterial and antiviral effect.

The bark of Mahonia holly contains substances that are used in the treatment of psoriasis.

Contraindications

Mahonia products should not be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding, or by persons with individual intolerance to such a plant. Also, people with chronic intestinal disorders, ulcers and high acidity of gastric juice should not use such products. The use of such drugs in some people can cause diarrhea and nausea, therefore, before eating mahonia fruits or using products prepared on its basis, you should definitely consult with a qualified specialist.

On the American continent and in East Asia you can find shrubs with bright yellow flowers and jagged leaves. Mahonia comes from the barberry family. It has taken root well in more northern countries, where it is valued for its lush flowering. The natural diversity of flowers is pleasing; there are approximately 50 plant species.

After flowering, the fruits ripen - oval or spherical berries of a bright blue color, they can be eaten. Against the background of crimson autumn leaves, the berries look even more impressive. Americans call the fruits Oregon grapes. The plant loves shade and tolerates pruning well. Pests avoid it. Gardeners plant mahonia on a hedge, as a background plant in mixborders.

Where to plant mahonia

Choosing a location is not difficult: the plant tolerates partial shade perfectly, is successfully grown in open sunny areas, and develops well in group plantings between taller shrubs or trees.

Soil requirements

Plant mahonia in nutritious, light soil. The plant does not like dense clay soil. Drainage can be a great solution for heavy loams. Best cast soil - garden soil, sand, turf in equal proportions.

When and how to plant mahonia

It's better to plant in early spring, before the onset of sap flow. However, even with the leaves in full bloom, the plant easily tolerates transplantation. If for some reason the planted bush needs to be transplanted to another place, Mahonia will take this calmly at any age. However, it is advisable to do this in warm weather: replanting in late autumn is painful and often leads to the death of the bush.

• To plant mahonia, first prepare a hole: the size of the hole should be approximately three times larger size root system of the seedling, depth - 50-60 cm.
• Take a bucket of humus, mix it with garden soil and sand in equal proportions, and fill the bottom of the hole.
• Place the seedling strictly vertically, trying not to disturb the earthen lump. If the root system is open, the roots are straightened, making sure that they do not curl.
• Sprinkle with the remaining soil mixture and lightly press the soil.
• It is important to plant in such a way that the root collar is at the same level as before transplantation, or 2-3 cm lower. When the soil settles, the roots will not be exposed and the plant will not get sick.
• If there is a possible accumulation of melt or rain water at the planting site, it is necessary to make drainage: pour broken brick or small crushed stone into a layer of 8-10 cm at the bottom of the hole. This will protect the mahonia from rotting of the roots, and will also improve the growing season due to good drainage of the soil.
• After planting, water the mahonia abundantly, making sure that the soil remains loose and a thick crust does not form on the surface. After watering, the tree trunk circle is sprinkled with a layer of humus or any available material is used as mulch.
• Further watering is carried out as the soil dries. Mahonia takes root quickly, without experiencing severe discomfort after transplantation.

The distance between the hedge bushes is about a meter. If the bushes are planted singly, the distance can be increased at your discretion.

Mahonia in landscape design Mahonia hedge photo during flowering

Feeding and caring for mahonia

Nutrients are applied at least twice per season. The first is usually done in early spring; during this period, nitrogen-containing fertilizers are preferable, helping to increase green mass. The second feeding is done during flowering. Choose complex fertilizers for flowering plants.

The video will tell you how to care for mahonia:

Don't be lazy to mulch. Covering with dry leaves in winter protects from the cold, and when rotting, organic matter becomes an excellent nutrient substrate. Mulch is also good because it stimulates the development of microflora and beneficial worms, which improves the physical and mechanical properties of the soil, makes nutrients more accessible to the roots, and the soil becomes breathable. All these factors have a positive effect on plant health.

Watering is necessary only during prolonged drought. If the weather is variable with rain and short dry periods, the plant will only need natural moisture.

Mahonia pruning

• The crop tolerates it well, but remember: cutting it too short will result in a lack of flowering.
• The shrub should be pruned only after flowering, being careful not to cut off branches with ovaries, if you want to see scatterings of blue berries on the crimson-green leaves.
• Flower buds are formed only on two-year-old branches; it is worth remembering this during spring formative pruning: as much as possible, you can cut no more than half of the branches in length, then next year the plant will definitely bloom.

Mahonia holly planting and care in the Moscow region

The shrub has excellent winter hardiness, so the agricultural technology for growing mahonia in the Moscow region does not differ significantly from caring for mahonia in other regions. The only thing that should be done is to protect young bushes in the first year or two:

• In October, the root system is hilled up: it is advisable to cover the root collar and trunk circle with a mound of earth, the higher the better.
• Cover the bushes with spruce branches; you can simply mulch the tree trunk circle with a good layer of hay or straw, pine needles, or any dry organic residues. This will prevent the roots from freezing even in the most severe frost.
• The branches of the plant can be protected by shoveling snow. The operation is optional, but if the forecast is for severe frost, it is advisable to cover the bushes just in case.

In the spring, as soon as the snow melts, remove the mulch and spruce branches to warm the ground. When the soil matures, the earthen embankment is leveled.

Mahonia propagation

Reproduction is possible in several ways: by shifts, layering, cuttings, and dividing the bush.

Propagation of mahonia by cuttings

• Propagation of mahonia by cuttings is similar to propagation of grapes: in early spring, cuttings with at least six buds should be cut.
• The cuttings are planted in a shaded place directly into the ground, moistening the soil daily. Some gardeners cover the cuttings with plastic bottles, but this operation is not necessary: ​​the roots will appear in any case.
• Soon the seedlings will begin to sprout young shoots: this is a signal that the formation of the root system has begun.
• You can also plant cuttings in trimmed plastic bottles and care for them in an apartment, and when roots and shoots appear, plant them in the garden.
• It is very important not to let the soil dry out so that new bushes develop correctly and do not get sick.
• By the end of the season, the plants will be strong enough to survive the winter. However, they need shelter: they should definitely be hilled up, covered with spruce branches or straw, and when snow falls, they should rake up more snowdrifts.

Next spring, the seedlings can be transplanted to a permanent location.

Reproduction of Mahonia by layering

This is a simple and familiar to all gardeners vegetative of many crops. Mahonia is no exception: just bend down a young branch, make a depression in the ground and pin the shoot with a metal bracket.

At the rooting site, be sure to remove the leaves and sprinkle with soil. No further additional care is required: the plant will take care of the formation of a new seedling on its own. When you see young shoots at the digging site, this is a signal that roots have already begun to grow. The cuttings are not touched until next spring. In the new season, the seedling is cut off from the mother bush and planted in a permanent place.

Reproduction by dividing the bush

This type of propagation is very rarely used. A well-grown bush can be divided. The operation is performed early in the spring, before sap flow begins. The bush is carefully dug up, a part with several shoots is carefully separated and sprinkled with earth. The resulting new seedling is planted in a permanent place in the usual way.

Types of Mahonia with description and photo

Let's look at the most common types.

Mahonia aquifolium

Brought from North America, where it covers the slopes with dense thickets. The shrub is able to withstand heat without moisture. The North American beauty has conquered the northern countries with her magnificent appearance. Large leaves have a leathery surface, they are jagged along the edges, the bark has grey colour. Blooming holly mahonia has olive-colored leaves that turn green as they ripen. The leaves are covered in red golden bronze in autumn.

The height of the bush reaches up to 1.5 meters. The plant is notable for its yellow inflorescences resembling panicles; the ends of the shoots branch. Flowers are characterized by two circles of petals. The yellow flowers are bright and frame the bush interestingly. The flower shape is correct.

When does Holly mahonia bloom?

The month of May is the beginning of the season when flowers appear. The second season may begin in the fall. Don't be surprised if mahonia blooms again in October. The blue fruits hang beautifully on the bush, the berries can be eaten, they have a sweet taste with some sourness. The plant is cross pollinated. It is advisable to have two bushes nearby and pollination will take place without problems. A rich fruit harvest is possible with sufficient pollination. Many gardeners don't need berries, they just want a beautiful plant.

Mahonia's root shoots cause it to spread beautifully across the ground. Sunny color stimulates dense growth. Mahonia holly is able to grow on the shady side.

Good pollination gives a rich harvest. Gardeners value mahonia holly for its decorative qualities; the harvest is not so important. The root shoots of the flower cover the ground. Sunlight promotes dense growth. Humus soil is perfect for full growth. The plant feels comfortable in city conditions; the crown can be trimmed to give it a beautiful shape. The climate of central Russia is suitable for northern holly mahonia. However, a young plant may not survive a harsh winter, so it must be covered.

You can cover it with dry leaves, preferably spruce branches. The plant can be used to decorate the area all year round. In spring, young reddish leaves look beautiful. Leathery leaves yellow flowers in summer they are a magnificent sight. The ripening of blue fruits adds its own flavor. In winter, the evergreen shrub looks fantastic under the caps of white snow.

Different types of shrubs can have dense, long, golden, variegated leaves.

Mahonia repens

This type of mahonia grows on the slopes and forests of North America. Able to tolerate lack of water. The height of the bushes is less than that of the holly. The plant has green, leathery leaves with sharp edges. Creeping mahonia grows for a long time - 6 years. It produces flowers once a season; it rarely blooms in autumn. The culture is able to withstand severe frosts, but is inferior in beauty to Holly Mahonia. In winter, the plant can be covered with fallen leaves; in urban conditions it is left open. Decorative creeping mahonia comes in two types: large-leaved and large-fruited.

Mahonia holly in landscape design

Gardeners love this plant. The entire bush is covered with lush inflorescences, and when autumn comes, the colors become even brighter and more saturated: bright green leaves turn purple, acquiring a fantastic shade, and blue berries create a juicy contrast that captivates the eye.

Landscape designers widely use the culture to create spectacular hedges, create accents with single or group plantings of mahonia, or combine it with other plants. Mahonia will decorate an open clearing, a stone hill, a forest edge, or a space under tall trees. Many other plants will look interesting against its background.

The best companions of Mahonia are roses. Their mixed plantings with intertwining branches look original, creating a truly fabulous spectacle.

Mahonia bushes look attractive next to primroses and Japanese quince. The overgrown bushes with branches spreading along the ground are especially beautiful.