Mahonias are a popular shrub, instantly recognisable for its painfully distinctive spiky leaves. The long spikes of golden winter flowers are worth a bit of pain.
The flower starts early from November through to March, releasing a strong ‘lily-of-the-valley’ perfume. These can be followed by blue-black berries. This easy to grow, evergreen shrub has a spreading, bushy habit that forms fabulous groundcover and makes an good security plant. Mahonia is adaptable, thriving in shaded positions where many other plants would struggle. Height 1.5m Spread 2m 4-6 foor high
There are a few different varieties but x media charity is perhaps the best
very easy to grow, they actually like shade. They are great at the back of borders, make sure you can see the winter flowers from the house.
They are seriously spiky, even the dead leaves. Mahonias often end up looking bare at the bottom as they grow, they can be cut back and fresh new growth will appear. Slow-growing they are not cheap to buy.
