Species

Berberis hortensisHybrid Mahonia

1 other cultivar

‘Charity’Charity Mahonia

shrub RHS Award

Oregon Grape

Berberis hortensis 'Winter Sun'

The Story

Plant Bio

Mahonia x media hybrids are architectural evergreen shrubs known for their bold, spiny, holly-like leaves and dramatic winter-to-spring flowers. They provide excellent structure and four-season interest in the shade garden.

'Winter Sun' is celebrated for its exceptionally fragrant, bright yellow flowers held in long, upright racemes that appear in the depths of winter. Following the flowers are clusters of waxy blue-black berries.

Uses & Benefits:

Mahonia 'Winter Sun' is a premier shrub for winter interest, offering stunning architectural form with its bold, evergreen foliage. Its brilliant yellow, fragrant flower spikes erupt in the darkest days of winter, providing unparalleled color and scent when little else is happening in the garden.

Its spiny foliage creates an effective deer- and rabbit-resistant barrier. The dense structure can be used as a screen or an imposing specimen in a shade garden. The flowers are excellent for cutting.

The late-winter flowers are a critical early food source for brave bees and other pollinators emerging on warm days. The subsequent blue-black berries are consumed by birds like robins and cedar waxwings in the spring.

SpeciesBerberis hortensisHybrid Mahonia

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

120"

Width

84"

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Low to moderate

Humidity

Average

Lifespan

Long-lived shrub

Native To

Hybrid

Toxicity

Berries are mildly toxic if ingested in quantity

Bloom period

Late winter – Early spring

In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a site in partial to full shade with moist, well-drained soil.
Amend the soil with compost or other organic matter.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but just as deep.
Set the plant in the hole, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the soil.
Backfill with the amended soil and water thoroughly.
Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base.

Pro Tip

Site this shrub where it will be protected from harsh winter sun and wind to prevent foliage burn.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide acidic, humus-rich soil.
Water regularly during dry periods, especially when young.
Prune immediately after flowering to avoid removing next year's buds.
Protect from harsh winter winds to minimize leaf scorch.

Don't

Don't plant in a hot, dry, sunny location.
Avoid planting in alkaline (high pH) soils, which can cause chlorosis.
Don't let the soil become waterlogged.
Don't prune heavily late in the season.

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 Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Architectural focal point for winter gardensFragrant specimen for a shaded entrywayTextural backdrop in a woodland border

Companion Plants

Helleborus orientalis Sarcococca hookeriana Dryopteris erythrosora Rhododendron Galanthus nivalis

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Oregon Grape questions

What zones can Oregon Grape grow in?

Oregon Grape 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 Oregon Grape deer resistant?

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

When does Oregon Grape bloom?

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

Does Oregon Grape need full sun?

Oregon Grape does best in part shade.

Is Oregon Grape drought tolerant?

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