Species

Berberis hortensisHybrid Mahonia

1 other cultivar

‘Winter Sun’Oregon Grape

shrub

Charity Mahonia

Berberis hortensis 'Charity'

The Story

Plant Bio

Berberis × hortensis is a statuesque evergreen hybrid shrub native to Asia that develops an upright, coarse-stemmed, vase-shaped habit. The dramatic, frond-like foliage consists of large compound leaves with spiny, holly-like leaflets arranged in whorls along the stems, which tend to become bare at the base as the plant matures.

'Charity' is distinguished by its winter-blooming habit, producing long, spreading racemes of bright golden-yellow flowers from December through February. The blooms are followed by dusty blue-black, wax-coated berries, while the new foliage emerges with a distinct bronze-red tint before maturing to deep glossy green.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides dramatic architectural structure, glossy evergreen foliage, and bright golden winter blooms when most other plants are dormant.

Functions as an effective security barrier due to its highly spiny, sharp-edged leaflets that deter intruders.

Serves as a critical winter nectar source for overwintering Anna's hummingbirds and active bumblebees, followed by berries for songbirds.

SpeciesBerberis hortensisHybrid Mahonia

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

144"

Width

72"

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

7, 8, 9

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Long-lived

Native To

Asia (parents)

Toxicity

Low toxicity (spiny leaves, raw berries can cause mild GI upset)

Bloom period

Winter – Early spring

In flower about 4 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Plant in a sheltered location with partial to full shade, ensuring the soil is rich, organic, and drains freely.
Water regularly during the first two to three years to establish a deep, drought-tolerant root system.
Apply a thick layer of organic mulch annually in spring to retain soil moisture and mimic a forest floor environment.
Protect young plants from rabbit browsing using physical wire cages until the stems woody up and toughen.

Pro Tip

Prune immediately after flowering in spring by cutting leggy stems back to a strong side shoot or node; hacking deep into old, leafless wood results in poor, patchy recovery.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Prune young branch tips in early spring to encourage a bushier, more compact growth habit.
Provide supplemental water during prolonged summer dry spells to prevent foliage scorch.
Ensure excellent air circulation around the foliage to minimize the risk of fungal rust and powdery mildew.

Don't

Do not plant in heavy, waterlogged soils where standing water will cause root rot.
Do not prune heavily into old, bare wood unless performing a complete structural renovation.
Avoid overhead watering, which leaves moisture on the foliage and invites rust infections.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Shade gardensArchitectural focal pointsSecurity barriersWinter interest borders

Companion Plants

Helleborus Polystichum munitum Sarcococca hookeriana

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Charity Mahonia questions

What zones can Charity Mahonia grow in?

Charity Mahonia is hardy in USDA Zones 7–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Charity Mahonia deer resistant?

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

When does Charity Mahonia bloom?

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

Does Charity Mahonia need full sun?

Charity Mahonia does best in part shade.

Is Charity Mahonia drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Charity Mahonia handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.