Cultivation

Mahonias thrive in sun or part shade, in acidic or alkaline soils that are fertile and well-drained. The larger species and hybrids are hungry plants, so improve the soil with well-rotted organic matter before planting, then apply a 5-7cm mulch of well-rotted garden compost or manure around the base of the plant in spring until plants become established. Over time, the stems of some M. oiwakensis subsp. lomariifolia, M. japonica, M. x media and cultivars, and M. x wagneri and cultivars become leggy and bare but respond to hard pruning. Cut back the stems by two thirds in March after flowering, then feed, mulch and water well to encourage regrowth. They will re-flower one or two years later.