Oregon Grape Shrub (Mahonia Aquifolium)

Oregon Grape (Mahonia aquifolium) is a hardy evergreen shrub, native to the Pacific Northwest and valued as one of the most reliable ornamental shrubs for year round interest. Glossy, holly-like leaves turn purplish red in autumn, while bright yellow, fragrant flowers in early spring are followed by dark blue berries in late summer. The berries should not be eaten raw, but can be used to make jams and jellies. Oregon Grape thrives in full sun to partial shade, is drought tolerant once established, and typically grows 1 to 2 metres tall and wide, suiting hedges, borders or a standalone specimen.

Attracting bees and butterflies to its spring flowers, and birds and small mammals to its berries, Mahonia is a valuable shrub for wildlife friendly gardens.

Adaptable and low maintenance, Oregon Grape is one of the most useful garden shrubs for difficult, shaded sites where fewer flowering plants perform well.