Grape Holly Plant Care - How And Where To Plant Oregon Grape Hollies And Creeping Mahonia

Plant grape hollies in a partially shaded area with moist, neutral to slightly acidic, well-draining soil. M. aquifolium makes an excellent specimen or foundation plant and also looks good in shrub groupings or borders.

How do you plant Mahonia?

Planting a Mahonia is easy; soak the root ball in water for 20mins and dig a hole about twice the size of the plant. Place in centre so that the top of the plant in the pot is level with the soil; back fill with good peat free compost firm in and water again.

Is Oregon grape invasive?

While Oregon grape is tremendously popular in the Pacific Northwest, but has been classified as invasive in some areas outside of its native range, capable of displacing native vegetation.

Where do grapes grow in Oregon?

Oregon Grapes are hardy in USDA zones 5-9. These undemanding plants can be grown in almost any light, from full sun to dense shade, but will grow best in partial shade. They will tolerate a wide range of soil types, but thrive in humus rich, slightly acidic, evenly moist but well draining garden soil.

How do you trim Oregon grape holly?

This broadleaf evergreen needs little pruning, but when it is done, should be done after the flowers are spent. Prune branch tips back to increase density and direct the plants growth. Any pruning at this time will remove this years fruit, but it will not reduce next years flowers.

Is Mahonia an invasive plant?

They often crowd out native plant species. Leatherleaf mahonia is a Chinese import, has naturalized throughout the southeastern U.S., and is now considered invasive.

Can Mahonia be grown in pots?

Mahonia tolerate neglect well mainly because their nutrient requirements are low and they grow well with minimal pruning. Most produce attractive flowers, all are evergreen. They rarely suffer from pests or diseases unless completely neglected. They are not suitable for growing in containers.

What are the benefits of Oregon grape?

Oregon grape has also been used for its digestive stimulant properties (relieving spasms in the intestinal tract), antimicrobial properties (including its anti-fungal, antibacterial, and anti-parasitic action), immune-boosting, and anti-inflammatory properties.

What animals eat Oregon grape?

It's also a food source for birds and small mammals. Among birds that will eat the berries are forest birds such as grouse and pheasants as well as common songbirds such as robins, waxwings, juncos, towhees and sparrows. Small mammals include foxes, coyotes and raccoons.

Is Oregon Grape A Holly?

Oregon grape-holly is a semi-evergreen, upright to oval shrub maturing at 4 to 5 feet high and 3 feet wide with tendency to sucker. Bright yellow clusters of small flowers in early spring contrast against the burgundy fall leaves of last years growth.

What can I do with Oregon grapes?

The best way to use the berries is to make jam, pie or wine. Anything where sugar is added! I'm thinking an Oregon Grape mead would be quite nice. Even with the spiny leaves the berries come off their stems quite easily, which is nice.

How do you propagate Oregon grapes?

Growing Oregon Grape

The species may be propagated from seeds. Fresh seeds (with the flesh removed) germinate readily. Chilling for three months in moist planting medium enhances more rapid germination. Keep the seedlings in a nursery bed for a year, then transplant to their permanent locations.

How do you control Oregon grape?

Paint the cut stump with a small brush dipped in a 2, 4-D, dicamba, glyphosate or triclopyr herbicide. Paint the stump immediately after it has been cut. The sooner the herbicide is applied, the more effective it will be. If more than three minutes pass, cut the stump 1/4-inch lower before painting.

When should I prune my grape holly?

Pruning your grape holly can also help to control their spread. These plants are quite tolerant of pruning and can be cut down all the way to the ground if a fresh start is needed. Pruning should be done in early summer once the shrub has finished blooming.

How hard can you prune Mahonia?

Hard pruning

Some plants, including Viburnus tinus and Cornus alba, can be pruned hard, right down to the ground. Hard pruning encourages them to send up vigorous new shoots in spring. It's best to hard prune tender shrubs and evergreens, such as mahonia, in spring, after the last frost.

Are mahonia berries poisonous to humans?

Very sharp flavor. The plants contain berberine, a compound found in many Berberis and Mahonia cause vomiting, lowered blood pressure, reduced heart rate, lethargy, and other ill effects when consumed.

Do birds eat mahonia berries?

Planting for birds

Choose plants that bear berries, trees such as rowan, hawthorn and even crab apples as well as border shrubs like mahonia, pyracantha, berberis, cotoneaster, holly and ivy.

How do I get rid of Mahonia?

Reach through the prickly leaves and use the loppers to cut each stem of each selected plant at the base. You'll appreciate the leather gloves and jacket as you pull the shrubs out for disposal. Spray the bright yellow mahonia stumps with any product that contains glyphosate (KleenUp, KillzAll, Roundup, etc).

Which is the best Mahonia?

Discover five of the best mahonias to grow.

Mahonia aquifolium 'Apollo' Mahonia 'Apollo' in flower. Small and bushy with clusters of yellow flowers and blue-black berries. ...
Mahonia eurybracteata 'Soft Caress' Foliage of Mahonia 'Soft Caress' ...
Mahonia x media 'Charity' Mahonia 'Charity' flowers.

How do you care for a mahonia plant?

Plant your mahonia in fall or spring but avoid frost spells and high temperatures. If, for any reason, you must plant it in the sun, avoid places that would be too hot and if possible favor part sun. It doesn't require sunlight and will grow perfectly fine in the shade. It loves cool soil with a lot of humus.

Why are the leaves on my Mahonia turning yellow?

Mahonia are generaly pest free so aphids are not a problem but they can suffer from Rust and Powdery Mildew. Mahonia's effected by rust will have black spots on there leaves with yellow around the edges, it is simular to rust commonly found on garden roses and can be treated which a garden fungicide.