While our Woodland Garden undoubtedly looks at its best in spring, there are some residents that show off at other times, and our Mahonia collection saves its best for winter. Also known as Oregon Grape, mahonias are native to western North America and eastern Asia. All are evergreen, but habits vary from low suckering shrubs to many-branched small trees. Their elegance is in their elaborate foliage, with leaves dissected into leaflets, arranged along a central stalk or rachis. Often prickly, they can have a holly-like appearance, though the two are unrelated. Flowering ranges from late summer through to spring, with many species offering winter blooms in yellow (rarely red, pink). The presence of Anna’s hummingbirds (Calypte anna) in Puget Sound gardens in winter is in large part to the popularity of mahonias in gardens, providing guaranteed nectar sources on even the coldest of days.

Photos 1 - 4: Mahonia 'Arthur Menzies', Mahonia 'Marvel', Mahonia gracilipes, Mahonia japonica.

Mahonias have many aesthetically pleasing attributes. Their flowers are undoubtedly attractive and can look good even in bud – the shrimp-pink buds of M. duclouxiana are notable. Some have fragrant blooms, notable M. japonica, and floral presentation varies conspicuously, from short stiff racemes (M. oiwakensis) to long pendulous ones (M. japonica, M. gracilipes). Leaves are glossy or matte above, often very dark green, and some have pearly white undersides (M. gracilipes). They may have large, broad leaflets, or delicately narrow ones, and the prickles range from soft to vicious. New foliage may be flushed with red or pink, and older plants often display impressive corky bark. The berries, usually waxy purple like grapes, add extra appeal and food for the birds.

Heronswood’s collection comprises over 45 species and varieties, mostly resident in the Woodland Garden. There are no bad mahonias, but here’s a few to look out for. Mahonia ‘Marvel’ is a relatively recent addition to the collection and is almost entirely free of prickles, except for the ones that tip each leaflet. It forms a handsome shrub with abundant blooms in December. Mahonia japonica should be in every collection as it has the best scent and remains small and compact. Likewise. M. gracilipes is unique with red flowers and white leaf undersides. Widely available, Mahonia ‘Soft Caress’ is a good choice where children are present, as its prickles are soft and safe. For grandeur, choose Mahonia ‘Arthur Menzies’, discovered in Seattle, to create a large, vase-shaped shrub.