A useful evergreen shrub for shady spots
Here is southwestern Connecticut (zone 6), Mahonia aquifolium (Oregon Grapeholly) is definitely a relative unknown. A native to the Pacific northwest and much of Canada, it is worthy of a place in shady gardens throughout zones 4 – 8, especially if you have deer browsing in your garden.
Oregon grapeholly has large, glossy evergreen leaves that resemble those of a holly. It tolerates partial sun to full shade and a variety of soil conditions. However, it does not like alkaline soil. Mahonia aquifolium is considered deer resistant which gives gardeners like me who garden around deer another weapon in our ‘shrubs for shady spots’ arsenal.
Bright yellow flowers will brighten shady spots
Because Mahonia aquifolium is evergreen and tolerates a fair amount of shade, it makes both an interesting foundation plant or a screen for areas where other shrubs just can’t survive.
There are several cultivars available for gardeners who are looking for a Mahonia that is slightly different from the species:
- Mahonia aquifolium ‘Apollo’: A low-growing form of Mahonia which makes an interesting evergreen groundcover. Flowers have a more orangey-yellow color.
- Mahonia aquifolium ‘Compactum’: A dwarf form, growing about 2′ tall, with bronze fall color.
- Mahonia aquifolium ’Smaragd’: Grows to about 4′ tall and has lovely leaves that start out an emerald green and turn purpley-bronze as the weather gets colder.
It may take a bit of searching to find Mahonia in your local nursery, but your efforts will be well rewarded for years to come.
Debbie,
I love grape holly and wish it would grow in my south central area of CT, but I had no luck with it. I would advise gardeners in CT check with a trusted local … and I mean local … nursery before planting grape holly. It may do quite well in your more southwestern section of CT, but it did not do well here. I should have listened to my local nursery when they advised against my planting this beauty. I spent the money, babied the small shrub for years, and finally gave up. My soil is acidic, I planted it in partial shade – did all the ‘right’ things. There are many, many microclimates in CT and home gardeners really need to consider their local topography when considering plants for thier gardens. I’ll have to enjoy grape holly vicariously through you.