Mahonia aquifolium Oregon Grape

20 years ago

Before they had done their extensive relandscaping work at the legislature grounds in Edmonton, they had this one growing and thriving in a large bed. I was really impressed with its dark shiny spiny foliage and had asked permission to dig a section of root ... man, it had runners like quackgrass! Anyways, for the first few years the plant had thrived and come through winter in fine form due to the heavy snowfalls we had experienced. In my location, I soon realized it otherwise suffered badly unless protected. Unfortunately, over the years the plant had slowly declined and later bit the dust. Mahonia aquifolium being properly situated and receiving winter protection (easily bent down to the ground and covered) can successfully be grown ... and is most rewarding!

Anyone else have experience with it?

Terry

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Comments (5)

abgardeneer
20 years ago
I haven't grown that one, never came across it unfortunately, but have been thinking about it for a long time. I feared that it would need snow cover or good humidity, just as a guess, given it's natural range. That's a very interesting report, Terry...
Markrjc
20 years ago
I have this one flourishing on the north side of one of the outbuildings. The yellow flowers and powdery blue fruits are most attractive! For winter I throw a few spruce bows over top and the snows keep it protected during the harshest of the Â40 temperatures. Definitely a top rated shrub, though demanding of specific conditions. IÂve given numerous offshoots to many people who have admired this beautiful evergreen.

Mark
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ian_bc_north
20 years ago
I have seen it locally on a garden tour.
It was in a bed against the house and they said that they threw snow on it during the winter.
It looked very healthy and filled the length of the bed.

Ian
SeaOtterCove
20 years ago
Mark,

The fruit makes wonderful jelly if you have enough. Or if you are brave and like things bitter you can eat them off the bush as well.

Syreeta
Markrjc
20 years ago
Not knowing if they were edible or not, I had not consumed the fruit ... but, now I certainly will!

I love this plant!

Mark