shrub

Narihira Mahonia

Mahonia confusa 'Narihira'

Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.

Expertly Curated

Real-Time Pricing

Loved by Designers

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

48 inches

Width

48 inches

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Medium

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Long-lived shrub

Native To

China

Toxicity

Berries are mildly toxic if ingested in large quantities

The Story

Plant Bio

Mahonia confusa is an evergreen shrub prized for its fine-textured, pinnately compound leaves that lack the sharp spines of many other Mahonia species. It has a graceful, spreading habit perfect for shade gardens. 'Narihira' is a specific selection noted for its elegant, bamboo-like foliage and compact, mounding form. It produces fragrant yellow flower spikes in fall, followed by waxy blue berries.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

Offers superb textural interest with its fine, fern-like evergreen foliage, providing a soft, Asian-inspired aesthetic. The late-season yellow flowers and subsequent blue berries add multi-season appeal to shade gardens.

Its compact size and shade tolerance make it an excellent choice for foundation plantings on the north or east side of a house, in courtyard gardens, or in containers. It is highly deer resistant.

The fragrant fall and winter flowers provide a late-season nectar source for foraging insects. The berries that follow are consumed by birds in late winter.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

We couldn't find this plant listed online right now.

Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping

Planting

How to Grow

Select a site with partial to full shade and moist, well-drained soil.
Amend the soil with compost to improve its structure and fertility.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball.
Set the plant in the hole with the root flare at soil level.
Backfill with soil, firm gently, and water deeply.
Apply a 2-inch layer of mulch around the base of the plant.

Pro Tip

Provide protection from harsh afternoon sun and winter winds to prevent foliage from scorching and keep the plant looking its best.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Plant in a location protected from winter winds.
Provide consistent moisture, especially in dry periods.
Use as a textural contrast to large-leaved plants like Hosta or Rodgersia.
Allow it to develop its natural, graceful form with minimal pruning.

Don't

Do not plant in full, direct sun, which will scorch the leaves.
Avoid letting the soil become waterlogged.
Don't plant in highly alkaline soils.
Avoid heavy pruning, which can ruin its natural shape.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Mulch
Plant
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Elegant texture for shade gardensArchitectural foundation plantingUnderstory accent in woodland settings

Companion Plants

Hosta Heuchera Dryopteris autumnalis Epimedium Sarcococca hookeriana

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Narihira Mahonia questions

What zones can Narihira Mahonia grow in?

Narihira Mahonia is hardy in USDA Zones 6–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Narihira Mahonia deer resistant?

Yes — Narihira Mahonia is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Narihira Mahonia bloom?

Narihira Mahonia typically blooms in early fall through late winter. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Narihira Mahonia need full sun?

Narihira Mahonia does best in part shade.