How to Grow and Care for Oregon Grape Holly

How to Grow and Care for Oregon Grape Holly Berberis spp. (syn. Mahonia)

When you’re looking for foundation shrubs for your yard, you might choose one that is evergreen, another that has great spring flowers, and a third that will wow you with its fall colors.

Or, you can grow Oregon grape instead, and get all three of these features in one attractive shrub!

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Oh yes, there are many other uses for mahonias besides foundation plantings – especially since there are many different species of these plants, with different growth habits.

Clearly these shrubs have a lot going for them – and I’ve only scratched the surface of their merits!

If you’ve already decided that Oregon grape is on your shrub “shortlist,” I bet you’re wondering how to best care for these plants.

Sun exposure, water needs, pruning – yes, we’ll cover it all, and then some.

Keep reading to find out more!

Oregon grapes are woody shrubs, many of them evergreen or semi-evergreen. Some are low-growing ground covers, while others are upright shrubs reaching up to 15 feet tall and 12 feet wide.

These plants are known for their alternate, compound leaves which bring color and texture to the landscape.

Many species have leaflets that resemble holly, with sharp teeth that may even be spiky.

New growth on these plants is reddish, maturing to green, dark green, or bluish-green, and turning beautiful shades of red, yellow, or purple in autumn.

Flowers appear in big clusters. These are bright yellow and very fragrant.

The berries of Oregon grape are edible, and they can be blue, black, or red, depending on the species.

Many of these