Mahonia cultivation guide

Most shrubs of the genus Mahonia They have dense foliage consisting of many leaves and small flowers.

The mahonia is composed of shrubs perfectly adapted to the shady environments of our garden and are often planted seeking to separate spaces or create areas of privacy.

The origin of mahonias is American (North America), and they are generally simple shrubs to cultivate. The aroma given off by its flowers is very striking, creating a dense framework of yellow and gold colors from late winter until spring.

Subsequently, Mahonia produces dark blue or black berries, which are a great attraction for different birds.

Some details to keep in mind are that they are evergreen shrubskeeping all its leaves all winter long (especially in Mediterranean climates).

Contents

Main species of the genus Mahonia

  • M.trifoliata
  • Mr pumila
  • M.nervosa
  • M. acanthifolia
  • M. lomariifolia
  • Mr fortunei
  • Mr. japonica
  • Mr. napaulensis
  • Mr. bealei
  • Mr. to repent
  • Mr. aquifolium
  • Mr. pinnate
flowering mahonia

Shrub care guide Mahonia

Shrubs of the genus Mahonia are slow-growing, very hardy plants that generally require little maintenance. They are generally reluctant to transplants, so you have to choose the final location carefully.

Location

Flash

Mahonia It can be grown in many locations, preferably in well-lit areas, even full sun. However, it can also be grown in shady areas.

temperature and humidity

These shrubs tolerate a wide range of temperatures, avoiding very cold areas with freezing temperatures. They generally tolerate sub-zero temperatures, but some overhead damage is likely.

If the roots have not succumbed, they will sprout strongly in the spring.

the type of soil

It thrives in all soil types and textures, preferably dry environments with good drainage.

It can be grown in calcareous soils with high pH or slightly acidic. You can check your soil’s pH with several effective home methods.

how to water

These shrubs are quite tolerant of drought and dry weather, withstanding long periods without much water. It is recommended to be constant with the irrigation, but allowing the soil to dry out between each water supply.

In general, we will water twice a week in spring and summer and once every 10-15 days in autumn or winter, depending on the outside temperatures.

tips for subscribers

Even though Mahonia they are not shrubs with high nutritional needs, it is advisable to provide slow release fertilizers in late winter or early spring.

This will ensure more generous germination and replenish nutrients lost from the previous season. It is recommended to provide granulated fertilizer in the amount of 100-200 grams per plant, 1 time every 1.5 months.

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In addition, it is also advisable to recover the reserves of organic matter in the soil, bringing between 3 and 4 kg of vegetable compost or manure around the main stem, well spread out, at the end of winter.

pruning tips

Mahonias do not require significant annual pruning. They do well with light stem pruning in late summer or late winter, promoting stem regeneration and more even development.

Usually this light pruning is done once every 2 years, so we regulate the development of the branches of the lower part of the bush with the upper one.

In shady areas it is common for it to produce longer stems, seeking better access to light, so you can cut them to give the shape you want in your garden.

Another point to consider in pruning is the birth of shoots or children at the base of the stem. The usual thing is to eliminate them, since they reduce the strength of the bush as a whole and generate chaotic growth in Mahonia.

mahonia shoots

pests and diseases in Mahonia

Although a hardy plant, visitation by sap-sucking insects is frequent, preferably in spring and summer, coinciding with the emergence of new shoots and leaves.

Among these sucking insects there are mainly aphids and scale insects, and in a dry environment, mites such as red spiders.

They can be combated by a constant foliar application (every 4 or 5 days) of soapy water or potassium soap.

As for diseases, it is mainly affected by aerial fungi such as rust or powdery mildew, which are more complicated to combat than in the case of pests. Foliar applied copper sources are generally recommended to reduce its progression.

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