Well-Grown Mahonia Is A Spectacular Plant

Press, Volume CVII, Issue 31379, 26 May 1967, Page 6

Well-Grown Mahonia Is A Spectacular Plant

Although there are more than 50 species of mahonias, which were at one time listed under berberis though they differ distinctly, only two, it seems, are offered by the trade in New Zealand. The generic name commemorates an American horticulturist, McMahon, and the species are generally indigenous to North America, the Himalayas and China. The flowers are usually yellow and are carried on erect spikes like racemes, giving way to bluish-black berries. They are invariably evergreen, one difference between them and berberis, and have compound pinnate leaves which are alternate and usually prickly margined, dark green and shiny, turning purplish in winter. The stems differ from berberis in that they are without spines. In general mahonias are not fastidious over soil conditions but that does not mean that good results can be expected . from Impoverished ground as they thrive on good loam, and are quite tolerant of soils with abovoaverage alkalinity. They can be grown in full sun or shade and will withstand very severe pruning and even transplanting. They will survive cold weather with no ill effects. Mahonia aquifoHum,. the Oregon grape, most usually forms a - domed shrub about 4ft high and about the same spread, and is very hardy. It has holly-like foliage and greenish-yellow flowers in dense clusters which are borne in late winter—early spring, followed by an abundance of small blue-black berries which are covered with a violet bloom. The leaves turn various hues of red in winter. It is-a most accommodating plant and is especially useful for carpeting and under-planting tall trees. . • The only other mahonia offered here is Mahonia lomarifolia, often called the Chinese hollygrape, for it hails from that country where it may grow in excess of 30ft. Local specimens seldom grow much over 6ft. This is really quite a spectacular plant if well grown. The long leaves, which can extend to 2ft, may have up to r 19 pairs of blue-green incurved leathery leaflets attached. The slightly fragrant bright yellow flowers appear in dense clusters of spikes, at least six inches long and very prominently displayed, in winter. Conspicuous grape-like bunches of purple-black fruits with a bluish bloom on them follow to add to the continuous attraction of this mahonia.