Leatherleaf Mahonia (Mahonia bealei), also known as Beale's barberry, is an evergreen shrub native to China. Valued for its bold architectural form, distinctive foliage, and eye-catching flowers and fruit, this plant is an excellent choice for adding visual interest to your garden.
Leatherleaf Mahonia is an evergreen shrub that typically grows 6-10 feet tall and 4-5 feet wide. It is hardy in USDA zones 5-8, making it suitable for a wide range of climates. The shrub has a unique, upright growth habit, featuring long, arching stems that create a bold, architectural presence in the landscape. Preferring partial to full shade, Leatherleaf Mahonia thrives in well-draining, slightly acidic soil. It is relatively low maintenance, requiring minimal pruning and being resistant to most pests and diseases.
Leatherleaf Mahonia produces striking, fragrant flowers in late winter to early spring, providing much-needed color and interest during a time when many other plants are dormant. The flowers appear in dense, erect racemes at the tips of the branches, each raceme reaching up to 10 inches in length. Individual flowers are small, bright yellow, and cup-shaped, attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies to your garden.
The foliage of Leatherleaf Mahonia is one of its most distinctive features. The large, pinnately compound leaves can reach up to 18 inches in length, each leaflet being lance-shaped with spiny, serrated edges. The deep blue-green color of the leaves contrasts beautifully with the bright yellow flowers, and the glossy, leathery texture adds an additional element of interest. The leaves remain on the plant throughout the year, providing year-round color and structure to your garden.
Following the flowering period, Leatherleaf Mahonia produces clusters of small, grape-like fruit. The berries are an attractive shade of dark blue or bluish-black and are covered with a light, powdery bloom. While not particularly palatable for humans, the fruit is an important food source for birds and other wildlife, making Leatherleaf Mahonia a valuable addition to a wildlife-friendly garden.
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