Mahonia flavida

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Mahonia flavida
Light:Full Sun Part Shade Full Shade
Moisture:Mesic
Hardiness:8
Soil pH:5.6-8.4
Evergreen
Height:7'
Blooms:Mid Spring-Late Spring
Open Woods Forest
Native to:
Edible Rating:PFAF Edibility RatingPFAF Edibility Rating
Tea:Yes
Poisonous

Mahonia flavida

Propagation: Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a greenhouse[1]. It usually germinates in the spring[K]. 'Green' seed (harvested when the embryo has fully developed but before the seed case has dried) should be sown as soon as it is harvested and germinates within 6 weeks[K]. Stored seed should be sown as soon as possible in late winter or spring. 3 weeks cold stratification will improve its germination, which should take place in 3 - 6 months at 10°c. Prick out the seedlings when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out in late spring or early summer and consider giving them some protection from the cold for their next winter.

Division of suckers in spring[1]. Whilst they can be placed direct into their permanent positions, better results are achieved if they are potted up and placed in a frame until established[2].

Leaf cuttings in the autumn.

Cultivation: We have very little information on this species, though we know it should tolerate temperatures down to about -5°c[3], and so should be hardy at least in the milder areas of Britain. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus.

An easily grown shrub, it thrives in any good garden soil[2] including heavy clays. Prefers a semi-shaded woodland position in a damp, slightly acid to neutral humus-rich soil[4].

Plants are very tolerant of pruning and can be cut right back into old wood if they have outgrown their welcome[5].

Hybridizes freely with other members of this genus.

Range: E. Asia - South-western China - Kunming.

Habitat: Rocky, partially shaded crevices on limestone soils[3].

Edibility: We have no specific information on this species. The fruit of all members of the genus is edible, though we do not know the quality of this species[K].

Pollinators: Insects

Soil: Can grow in light, medium, and heavy soils.

In Leaf: Evergreen

Flower Type: Hermaphrodite

Heavy Clay: Grows in heavy-clay soils.

Links

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 Sheat, Wilfrid. Propagation of Trees, Shrubs and Conifers. St Martin, 1948.
  2. 2.0 2.1 Bean, William. Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Murray, 1981.
  3. 3.0 3.1 Phillips, Roger and Martyn Rix. Conservatory and Indoor Plants Volumes 1 & 2. Pan Books, London, 1998.
  4. Huxley, Anthony. The New Royal Horticultural Society Dictionary of Gardening. MacMillan Press, 1992.
  5. Thomas, Graham. Ornamental Shrubs, Climbers and Bamboos. Murray, 1992.