THE MAHONIAS-

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30643, 8 January 1965, Page 6

THE MAHONIAS-

The Mahonias are a genu of most attractive hardy evergreens of which very few are in general cultivation At one time they were listed under Berberis, but they differ in having compound, pinnate leaves which are alternate and evergreen, and stems without spires. The flowers are usually yellowish in colour and are carried on spike-like erect stems. They are followed by purple to blue black berries of which the accompanying photograph provides an example of perhaps the most striking of one of the species of this genus, Mahonia lomariifolia, the so-called Chinese huggrape. The berries on this plant carry a very

’typical grape like bloom; it will grow to a height of six to eight feet and can be sited in almost any position from shade to full sun. In general Mahonias are not fastidious over soil conditions but that does not mean to say that good results can be expected if grown on impoverished land: they are reasonably tolerant of alkaline conditions. In addition to lomariifolia, there is also M. aquifolium or Oregon grape a native of North America, not quite as spectacular but most useful for underplanting beneath trees. The leaves frequently turn red in winter giving added effect.