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Japanese Mahonia planting and care. Mahonia holly is a beautiful shrub with medicinal berries. Mahonia holly in landscape design

Mahonia (lat. Mahonia)- a genus of trees and shrubs of the Barberry family, representatives of which grow in the central and eastern regions of Asia and North America. The genus was named in honor of Bernard McMahon, an American gardener of Irish origin, who was involved in the acclimatization of plants brought from the west of the country in the eastern United States. McMahon is also known for having compiled the American garden calendar. There are about 50 species in the genus Mahonia. The type species of the genus is Mahonia holly, which is called “Oregon grape” in its homeland. It is a shade-tolerant, drought-resistant and highly frost-resistant crop that is undemanding to soil.

• Bloom: in April-May.
• Landing: at any time except late autumn and winter.
• Lighting: bright light or partial shade.
• Soil: loose, fertile, rich in humus.
• Watering: young bushes are watered frequently, adults - only in dry summers, spending 10 liters per plant.
• Feeding: early spring and before the start of flowering with solutions of Nitroammofoski or Kemira-universal at the rate of 100 g of fertilizer per 1 m² of tree trunk circle.
• Trimming: for sanitary purposes - in early spring, and the crown is formed after flowering or in the fall, shortening the shoots by no more than half.
• Reproduction: seeds, cuttings and layering.
• Pests: stable.
• Diseases: powdery mildew, rust and spotting - phyllosticosis and stagonosporosis.

Read more about growing mahonia below.

Mahonia shrub - description

Evergreen mahonia is a shrub up to 1 m high, forming abundant root shoots. On young shoots of mahonia the bark is pinkish-gray, on old shoots it is gray-brown. The leaves of Mahonia are on reddish petioles, complex, odd-pinnate, consisting of 5-9 notched-sharp-toothed leaflets 3 to 9 long and 1.5 to 2.5 cm wide, leathery, dark green, glossy on top and matte on the underside. . Bright light yellow flowers, sometimes with a lemon tint, reaching 8 mm in diameter, are collected in axillary multi-flowered racemes or panicles. Mahonia berries, oblong-elliptical, bluish-black, densely covered with a bluish bloom and fluff, up to 10 mm long and up to 8 mm wide, have a pleasant sweet and sour taste and are used for tinting wines, as well as in confectionery production. The Mahonia bush blooms in April-May, and its fruits ripen in August or September.

Mahonia in landscape design used to create borders, solo and group plantings, low hedges and for lining tall shrubs. IN winter time glossy leaves of Mahonia holly change green to a striking red hue. The shrub is also decorated with blue-violet mahonia fruits with a waxy coating.

Planting mahonia in open ground

When to plant mahonia

Mahonia is planted in open ground in the spring: before the cold weather begins, the bush will have time to take root and begin to grow. In general, the plant can be planted at any time of the year, except winter and late autumn.

The mahonia bush grows best in a sunny place protected from strong winds. The plant also does well in partial shade, but in this case count on big harvest there are no berries. Because straight sun rays The leaves of the plant are easily damaged; the mahonia flower feels best in the lacy penumbra of tall trees.

Mahonia holly is planted in loose, fertile, humus-rich soil. The optimal composition of the soil mixture for filling a planting hole is turf land, humus and sand in a ratio of 1:2:1.

How to plant mahonia

Select an area suitable for the plant and dig a hole measuring 50x50x50 cm. If the area is heavy clay soil, dig a hole deeper to place a layer of drainage material in it. Fill the hole halfway with the previously prepared soil mixture of the composition we described and leave it for 2 weeks: during this time, the soil in the hole will settle and become compacted. If you plant hedge or border, the distance between plants should be about 1 m; in loose plantings, leave a two-meter distance between the bushes.

On the eve of planting, inspect the root system of the seedlings, cut off diseased or dry roots, shorten those that are too long, and treat the cuts with crushed charcoal.

On the day of planting, place the mahonia seedlings in the planting holes and fill the free space with the same fertile mixture of sand, humus and turf so that the root collar of the seedlings is slightly above the surface of the site. Compact the soil in the tree trunk circles, make earthen rolls up to 10 cm high around their perimeter and pour 2 buckets of water under each seedling. When the water is absorbed, the tree trunks of the seedlings are mulched.

Mahonia care

How to care for mahonia

Planting and caring for mahonia does not take much time. You will need to water the plant, sometimes in the evenings spray its crown with water, apply fertilizer, loosen the soil in the tree trunk circle and remove weeds. They begin to prune mahonia when it is 10 years old. If necessary, the plant will need to be treated for diseases and pests.

Watering Mahonia

The mahonia plant loves moisture, especially when it is young. Mahonia begins to be watered immediately after planting. Along with moistening the tree trunk, irrigate the developing crown with water. It is better to water mahonia in the evening, after sunset. Mature bushes do not need to be watered during the season with normal rainfall, but during drought it is advisable to moisten the soil under the bushes twice a week, using 10 liters of water for each plant. The day after rain or watering, the soil in the tree trunk circles is loosened to a shallow depth.

Feeding Mahonia

Mahonia is fed twice a season: in early spring and in May, before flowering begins. Mineral complexes Nitroammofosku or Kemiru-universal are used as fertilizer. Consumption – 100 g of fertilizer per m² of area. In the fall, when preparing the garden for winter, mulch the area under the crown with a 5 cm thick layer of compost or humus. In the spring, dig up a layer of mulch with soil.

Mahonia transplant

Mahonia is transplanted throughout the entire growing season. It is not recommended to transplant mahonia only late autumn, since the plant may not have time to take root in a new place before the cold weather and will die. In general, the transplant does not injure the mahonia and is carried out in the same order as the initial planting.

Mahonia pruning

Sanitary pruning of mahonia is carried out in early spring, before the buds swell, if the need arises: frost-damaged, weak, drying, diseased or broken branches are removed. To ensure that the bushes remain low and dense, they are pruned after flowering or in the fall, but since flower buds are formed on last year's growths, cut the shoots by no more than half. Old bushes are subjected to rejuvenating pruning, after which mahonia is easily restored.

Mahonia in winter

Growing and caring for mahonia involves preparing the plant for wintering. IN climatic conditions In Ukraine and the central zone, mahonias normally overwinter simply under the snow, but if a frosty and snowless winter is predicted, the plant is covered with spruce branches. It is advisable to cover young bushes with spruce branches for the winter in any case.

Mahonia propagation

Mahonia propagates by cuttings, seeds and layering.

Reproduction of mahonia by seeds

Mahonia seeds are sown in the ground in the fall, immediately after harvest, to a depth of 2 cm. They can also be sown in the spring, after four months of stratification at a temperature of 0 to 5 ºC. The emerging seedlings must be protected from direct sunlight for the first time.

In the fall, the seedlings are thinned out or planted in separate containers, and after another year and a half they are transplanted to permanent place. During the first two or three winters, the seedlings are covered with spruce branches and covered with snow. Mahonia blooms from seeds in the fourth year.

Propagation of mahonia by cuttings

In early spring, before the buds swell on the mahonia, cuttings with six buds are cut from the shoots of the plant. They are half immersed in water and left in the garden. After two months, the buds of the cuttings, which are in water, will give roots, and when the length of the roots reaches 7 cm, the cuttings are planted in the ground and each of them is covered plastic bottle with a cut neck. After 10 days, the bottles begin to be removed for a day so that the seedlings gradually get used to the open air.

Reproduction of Mahonia by layering

In the spring, the mahonia shoot is bent to the ground, placed in a groove and pinned, leaving the tip of the shoot above the ground. The furrow is covered with soil. All summer, the cuttings are watered along with the bush. If the rooting of the cuttings is successful, next spring it is separated from the mother plant and transplanted into a pre-prepared hole.

Pests and diseases of Mahonia

Mahonia is extremely resistant to pests and various kinds infections, but sometimes it can be affected fungal diseases: powdery mildew, rust and spotting - phyllosticosis and stagonosporosis.

After this article they usually read

Mahonia Hollyfolia is used in folk medicine, now it is very actively used in their activities by landscape designers. Beautiful and unpretentious evergreen shrub wins the hearts of owners land plots who want to improve them without unnecessary hassle And material costs. Mahonia berries are used in cooking and make excellent wine.

Selecting a location and preparing the soil for planting

Holly-leaved mahonia decorates the site throughout the year. In winter it is greenery, dusted with white snow or covered with light frost, in spring there are magnificent yellow flowers, and in autumn there are dark blue berries. Mahonia is able not only to bloom beautifully, but also to change the color of the leaves during the season: in the spring they are light green (almost yellow), in the summer they acquire a rich green color, in the fall - red, sometimes with purple tint. The height of the bush is small, so it is allowed to plant it near the boundary.

Mahonia is undemanding to growing conditions, but the best decorative qualities are obtained if, to grow shrubs, you use slightly acidic, drained soil with the addition of humus, which is capable of retaining moisture well. The shrub reacts negatively to alkaline soils prone to moisture stagnation.

Mahonia Hollyfolia will decorate the landscape design of any area

Note! Holly-leaved mahonia is planted in places well protected from wind and direct sunlight.

It is better if the place is slightly shaded (for example, a garden). But the shrub perfectly tolerates air polluted by exhaust gases, so it can be planted not only near the road, but also in a city park.

Mahonia Hollyfolia is an unpretentious shrub, but it needs protection from wind and direct sunlight

How to plant an evergreen shrub

Mahonia is planted at a distance of 1-2 meters from each other or from neighboring bushes. It develops well, but growth is slow. The diameter of the hole is dug depending on the size of the roots, and its depth is about half a meter. The root collar is placed at ground level. Immediately after planting the mahonia, the soil under it is compacted and watered well.

It is better to choose early spring for plant transplants. The shrub can be transplanted to another place at any age, but you should not do this in late autumn, since the chances of taking root in this case are significantly reduced.

It is best to plant Mahonia Hollyfolia in early spring.

Features of caring for mahonia

If your attention is attracted by the decorative mahonia Holly, its care and cultivation should be studied thoroughly. The bush will not take a lot of effort and time, but with the onset of warmth, the soil under it should be loosened in a timely manner, weeds removed and fertilizer applied. In dry weather, irrigation is mandatory. In autumn, the soil is mulched and the bushes are covered with spruce branches.

Pruning Mahonia Holly in late spring is done exclusively for decorative purposes. The shoots are not shortened by more than 2 times to ensure beautiful flowering. It’s better to wait until it’s over, because bright yellow flowers make the landscape extraordinarily beautiful.

Pruning of Mahonia Hollyfolia is carried out exclusively for decorative purposes.

When and how to water the plant

In hot and dry weather, mahonia requires mandatory watering. 1 bucket of water is poured under each bush 2 times a week. Irrigation is carried out both at the root and using a sprayer. It is important not to overdo it in this matter, since excess moisture also negatively affects the condition of the bush. If the season turns out to be rainy, then you can do without watering at all.

Feeding Mahonia Hollyfolia

The description of the plant indicates that mahonia requires feeding only 2 times per season. Fertilizers are applied for the first time as soon as the snow melts. They mainly use “Nitroammophoska” or “Kemira universal”. The bush is fed the second time in May, before flowering begins.

Soil care

The soil where mahonia grows does not require special care. They loosen it only when it begins to harden, or after watering. You must act carefully, without going deep, so as not to injure the superficial roots. Weeds are removed periodically. It is not necessary to mulch the soil in the spring; this procedure is carried out in the fall.

How to replant mahonia

Mahonia tolerates transplantation well at any age. Perfect timing Early spring is considered to be the time to carry out this procedure. However, this only applies to those regions where spring comes into its own gradually, without sudden temperature changes and with sufficient precipitation (middle zone). For those places where it is already hot and dry in May, it is better to transfer the mahonia transplant to early autumn. The main thing is not to be late with this matter, otherwise the bush may not take root.

Mahonia Hollyfolia tolerates replanting well at any age.

How to prepare a plant for winter

Adult Holly-leaved Mahonia tolerates winter well even when the temperature drops more than -20°C and there is heavy snowfall. Before the onset of persistent cold weather, young bushes should be covered with spruce branches or dry fallen leaves. When the snow begins to melt in the spring, the shelter is removed. Such procedures should be carried out for 2-3 years.

Reproduction of Mahonia Hollyfolia

Holly-leaved mahonia can reproduce in three ways:

• seed;
• shoots from the root;
• cuttings

In practice, the vegetative method is most often used. But none of the methods listed above guarantees quick results and requires some effort and patience. It will take several years to grow an average bush.

Cuttings

The most widely used method is the propagation of Mahonia Hollyleaf by cuttings, using healthy and undamaged green shoots. When cutting material, the lower cut is made oblique, and the upper cut is made straight. In order for roots to begin to form faster, the lower end is dipped in a solution of a root growth stimulator and left for a while. Large leaves are cut in half. The prepared material is buried in the ground up to the first bud from below and watered well. Planted mahonia cuttings are covered for speedy rooting. In order to prevent fungal diseases, it is recommended to treat them with a fungicide.

Mahonia Hollyfolia is easily propagated by cuttings, offsets and seeds.

Division of rhizomes

Mahonia can be propagated by dividing the rhizomes. For this purpose, strong shoots are tilted to the ground and covered with soil, leaving only the top on the surface. The bend is tightened with wire so that roots begin to form as soon as possible. During the rooting process, the branch is regularly watered and soil is added as necessary. If in early autumn a good root system, then it is separated from the mother plant and transplanted to its place of growth. If the roots have formed weak, then the plant is left until the next season.

Seed method

Mahonia is rarely propagated by seeds, mainly when it is necessary to start new variety, which others cannot plant. The process is very long and troublesome. Planting material sown in spring or autumn, as soon as the seeds have been collected. Do this immediately in open ground, without preliminary soaking. However, when sowing in spring, the seeds must undergo stratification within 3 months, and the autumn planting option eliminates the need for this procedure. Sowing is done in a beard, 1.5 cm deep.

So as not to spoil appearance landscape, shrubs require preventive spraying. For these purposes, products containing soap or regular soap solution are suitable. Cope with powdery mildew you can use “Fundazol” or “Callatan”. At the first signs of rust, the leaves are removed and the mahonia is treated with Zineb.

A very modern and stylish landscape design is decorated with Mahonia Hollyfolia, whose berries can be used to make jam, wine or other culinary masterpieces. In addition, the plant has long been used in folk medicine, which makes it even more valuable for the gardener. Caring for this shrub does not take much effort and time, so even busy people who cannot devote much time to their plot can grow it.

This spectacular plant rarely found in Russia on personal plots. Meanwhile, holly mahonia differs not only beautiful decor, but also produces tasty and healthy berries, from which jam, wine and medicinal decoctions are made.

This evergreen shrub from the barberry family. The height of the bushes reaches 1.2 meters. Its leaves are similar to those of holly, which is why the plant is called “holly-leaved.” The bushes are different lush flowering- in spring, mahonia is covered with whole caps of bright yellow flowers. They are then replaced by blue berries, which do not fall for four to five months before the snow falls.

Mahonia was brought to Europe from North America, where because of the strong aroma and shape of the flowers it is called the lily of the valley tree. The plant received the name “Mahonia” in honor of the famous botanist McMahon, who first described it.

The Indians made it from mahonia effective medicines. Even difficult-to-treat psoriasis was treated with it. The juice obtained from the berries was used to dye fabrics and leather in yellow.

In 1822, mahonia appeared in Europe. Since then, it has been widely used for landscaping lawns and parks.

This spectacular plant changes colors several times throughout the year. In early spring, mahonia blooms yellowish leaves, in summer they become rich green, in autumn - bronze-red, sometimes purple. Bright yellow bunches of flowers give way to blue berries in the fall.

Let's name the most famous varieties Mahonia:

Mahonia - ornamental plant , which will appeal to any gardener. The leaves of an original shape, changing their color every season, fragrant flowers, tasty and beautiful berries will captivate everyone who wants to arrange their own plot. Mahonia looks great in decorative compositions and goes well with many plants. Low-growing shrubs are used as borders and hedges. Mahonia bushes can be used to fill empty spaces in plots and decorate outbuildings.

Care and cultivation of shrubs does not require much effort. Mahonia is not too picky about soil type. Loose, well-drained and slightly acidic soil enriched with humus is best suited for it. It does not tolerate alkaline soils with stagnant moisture. Her favorite composition is turf soil and humus with a small amount of sand.

The plant does not tolerate drafts and bright sunlight, so you need to select slightly darkened areas, protected from the wind.

Mahonia can be planted in industrial areas and along highways, as it is resistant to exhaust gases.

When planting, mahonia seedlings are placed in holes about half a meter deep. The bushes are placed at a distance of one to two meters from each other, as mahonia grows greatly. The root collar is left above the ground. After planting, the soil is compacted and watered.

The plant can be replanted until late autumn, but it is best to do it in early spring. Caring for the plant is not difficult. It consists of weeding and applying mineral fertilizers. If the summer is dry, then the plants need to be watered; if it is rainy, they do without watering. For the winter, the soil is mulched and the bushes are covered with spruce branches.

Decorative pruning is done after flowering, and the branches are cut no shorter than half.

The plant does not tolerate stagnant water, so it is watered only once or twice a week in hot summers. A bucket of water is used for one bush. Watering can be done either from a hose or at the root, or using a diffuser. Then you need to loosen the soil in order to ensure air flow to the roots and allow excess moisture to evaporate.

Feeding Mahonia produced with Kemira Universal fertilizer. For one square meter Apply from one hundred to one hundred and twenty grams of fertilizer. The plants are fed the first time immediately after the snow has melted, and the second time before flowering in May.

Mahonia tolerates transplantation well at any age. It is better to replant in the spring. If spring is short in your region, heat and drought quickly set in, then replanting should be done in early autumn. The most inappropriate period for this is late autumn.

Mahonia is propagated by cuttings, planting seeds and root shoots. Each method takes a lot of time and requires certain skills.

Cuttings. This is the most popular method of propagating mahonia. Young green shoots are used for cultivation. The material is prepared as follows:

• The cuttings are cut straight from above and obliquely from below.
• The cut is treated with a root stimulator.
• For large sheets, cut off half.
• The cuttings are buried in the ground up to the first bud.
• The plant is watered and covered so that it takes root faster.
• The cuttings are treated with a fungicide to avoid diseases.

Reproduction by layering. It is also often used for new shoots. To do this, strong shoots are bent to the ground and covered with soil, while upper part the run must be on top of the ground. At the bend, they tie it with wire, which promotes the formation of roots. The rooting site is regularly watered and, if necessary, covered with soil. If by autumn a good root system has formed, then the shoot can be separated and transplanted to a new location. If the roots are weak, then the cuttings can be left for another year.

Propagation by seeds. It's pretty long way. Before sowing, the seeds collected in the fall are stratified: placed in the refrigerator for three months. You can plant the seeds before winter, then they will stratify naturally. For planting, prepare grooves 1-2 cm deep into which the grains are placed.

There is another way to breed mahonias. In winter, cut branches of the plant, place them in water and place them on a cool windowsill. Soon some will have roots. In spring they can be planted in the ground. Such bushes take root quickly and have good immunity to disease.

Plant diseases and pests

Mahonia is resistant to diseases and pests. Its main diseases are rust, powdery mildew and spotting. To prevent the development of diseases, the bush is sprayed.

Plants are treated against spotting with preparations containing copper, for example, Bordeaux mixture. To combat powdery mildew, mahonia is sprayed with Fundazol or Callatan. Products containing sulfur help against rust. Leaves with red spots should be removed immediately. This will help prevent further spread of the disease.

Adult plants tolerate frosts down to -20 C. Young mahonias need to be covered with foliage or spruce branches. They are protected from frost for two to three years until the bushes grow.

If you are going to decorate your personal plot decorative bushes and flowers and are just thinking about what plants to plant there, we advise you to pay attention to mahonia holly).

Believe me, you will not only get beautiful decor, but you will also be able to enjoy delicious and healthy berries this plant, which can be used to make wine, jam and medicinal decoction.

Did you know? Homeland of Mahonia holly - North America. Its name comes from the famous American botanist Bernard McMahon. The Indians, in addition to using bushes in medicinal purposes, used it to dye fabrics and leather yellow. Mahonia was brought to Europe in 1822.

Since mahonia is an evergreen shrub, it will delight you all year round. In addition to rich greenery, its bushes will bring other colors into your life: in May - yellow with flowers, in August - dark blue with berries.

And it’s a pleasure to watch the change in color of mahonia leaves throughout the year: when blooming they are yellowish, in summer they are rich green, in autumn they are reddish-bronze, and sometimes purple.

Its name " holly"Mahonia got its name due to the fact that its leaves are shaped like holly leaves. The plant belongs to the barberry family and reaches sizes of up to 1.5 meters.

Its advantages also include the fact that it easily tolerates frost under the snow, is unpretentious and undemanding to the composition of the soil, and is resistant to pests.

Well, have you decided? Then we will tell you a few important facts about holly mahonia and the features of care and cultivation, so that this process will bring you as many pleasant moments as possible and less hassle.

How to choose a place and prepare the soil for planting mahonia holly

Despite the fact that mahonia does not require special conditions in terms of soil type and composition, it nevertheless feels best in fresh, loose, slightly acidic soil with good drainage, rich in humus and good moisture retention.

Darling soil mixture Mahonia - humus, turf soil, sand in a ratio of 2:2:1. The plant does not like stagnant water and alkaline soils.

There are only two problems that you will need to solve before you start planting shrubs: The plant does not tolerate constant winds and direct sunlight.

Important! Mahonia holly must be planted in windless and slightly shaded areas.

A huge advantage of the shrub is that it is resistant to pollution by exhaust gases, so it can be safely planted in city squares and parks, near busy roads and even in industrial zones.

How to plant an evergreen shrub correctly

Mahonia holly shrub does not require special conditions for planting and care. In order to implement good landing, bushes should be planted no closer than at a distance of 1-2 m from each other. Mahonia grows slowly, although it grows well.

It must be planted in holes 50 cm deep. The root collar of the plant should be at ground level when planting. Immediately after planting, the soil under the bush should be compacted and watered abundantly.

It is possible to replant a shrub at any age, but try to do this before late autumn. The best time to transplant is early spring.

Caring for mahonia, how to properly grow an ornamental shrub

Caring for shrubs will not cause any particular difficulties. So, in the spring you just need to weed the soil under the bushes and feed them with a small amount of minerals and fertilizers.

In dry summers, the shrub should be watered. If summer season rainy, then you can do without watering altogether. Autumn care involves mulching the soil and covering the plant with spruce branches.

Pruning They are done only for decorative purposes. It should be as gentle as possible - the shoots should be cut no shorter than half so as not to weaken the flowering. This is usually done immediately after flowering.

When and how to water the plant

The soil conditions under the bush must be monitored. If the summer is very hot and dry, then it definitely needs to be watered.

Important! Watering is carried out at the rate of one bucket of water per plant 1-2 times a week.

Don't overdo it since stagnant moisture will be unpleasant for the plant. You can water either at the root or using a hose and diffuser.

After watering, loosen the soil; this will allow additional air to flow to the root system and excess moisture to evaporate.

Features of feeding mahonia holly

It is enough to fertilize mahonia twice a season. The first fertilizing is carried out immediately after the snow melts. To do this, use “Kemira Universal” or “Nitroammofoska” fertilizers at the rate of 100-120 g per square meter.

The second feeding is carried out in May, before the bushes bloom. "Nitroammofoska" is used in the same volume.

Soil care

The land where mahonias grow does not require special care. Shallow loosening of the soil is carried out only after watering and when it hardens.

When loosening, try to be very careful; you should not loosen deeply. Mulching after planting in the spring does not need to be done; it must be done in the fall.

How the plant reacts to transplantation, when and how to replant mahonia

The shrub easily tolerates replanting, and at any age. The best time It will be early spring for replanting.

Although here you need to draw your attention, that this is acceptable only if the spring in the region where you live is calm, with a gradual increase in temperature and heavy rains. If spring in your latitudes is short, and heat and drought sets in already in May, it is better to replant the shrub in early autumn.

The most undesirable period for replanting mahonia is late autumn.

Reproduction of Mahonia holly

There are three known ways to propagate mahonia holly: seeds, root suckers and cuttings. The best of them is considered to be vegetative.

However, you need to understand that even this method will not help you quickly and easily green the area. Each of the methods is quite labor-intensive and time-consuming, and also requires certain knowledge and skills.

Cuttings

Propagation of mahonia holly by cuttings is the most common method. In this case, green, undamaged shoots with leaves are used.

In order to carry out cuttings correctly and successfully, you can use the following advice from florists and gardeners:

Division of rhizomes

Spring breeding is no less popular Mahonia aquifolium layering. To do this, strong shoots are bent to the soil and sprinkled with earth so that the top is above the ground.

At the bend, it is necessary to make a wire constriction, which will promote root formation.

While the rooting period lasts, the plant must be watered abundantly and, if necessary, covered with soil. If in autumn period a good root system is formed at the bend, the cuttings are separated from the parent bush and transplanted to a permanent place.

If the roots are weakened, the cuttings must be left on next year.

Seed method

Seed propagation is carried out in spring or autumn, immediately after collecting the seeds. This type of reproduction is quite long: Before sowing, seeds must be stratified for 3 months at a temperature of +5 °C (in the refrigerator).

If you sow seeds in the fall, long before frost, then they will undergo natural stratification. Seeds are sown in furrows to a depth of 1-2 cm.

Another method of reproduction is possible, which is sometimes recommended by experienced mahonia owners. In winter, several branches can be placed in jars on a cool, bright windowsill.

After a couple of months, roots will form on half of them. Try planting them in the spring. According to observations, such plants develop powerful roots, these shrubs grow quickly and have strong immunity to diseases.

Main plant pests and diseases

Mahonia ( Mahonia) - a small, up to 1.5 m tall shrub with glossy, leathery, dark green leaves. The most popular is mahonia holly (M. aquifolium). This is one of the few evergreen deciduous plants wintering in the middle zone. Large feathery leaves are equipped with sharp spines. In autumn and spring, the leaves turn reddish.

Mahonia is extremely beautiful in spring, during the flowering period. Bright yellow flowers are collected in dense, erect panicle inflorescences. At the end of summer, bluish-blue ripen edible fruits, which, however, almost no one eats. In autumn, some varieties bloom again. The Atropurturea form has purple leaves in spring.

How impressive, original and catchy mahonia holly looks, look at the photo:

Mahonia is undemanding to soil conditions and shade-tolerant. Winters well under cover of snow. Shoots not covered with snow may freeze or suffer from sunburn. True, even after severe frosting, the bushes usually recover quickly. Easily tolerates pruning and haircuts. It grows due to root shoots.

Mahonia is one of the best shrubs For shady garden. Goes well with coniferous crops, with a stone, but in the Russian “birch” landscape it looks like an alien object. Despite this, mahonia holly is found quite often in the Moscow region; it attracts the attention of landscape designers with its original appearance.

What Holly Mahonia looks like: photo and description

Among the huge range of decorative representatives flora, bred by breeders in the process of lengthy and complex research, there are very original samples. One of these specimens is mahonia, the closest relative of barberry, belonging to the large family Berberidaceae. Her homeland is North America, where she lives on flat or steep slopes, in the forests.

The plant is considered the symbol of one of the states (Oregon); it received its name in honor of the famous American botanist B. McMahon. Other names are also common: “Oregon grape” (due to the similarity of the fruits with grape bunches), “lily of the valley bush” (due to the similarity of the shape and smell of the inflorescences with lilies of the valley), “American barberry” (due to its generic affiliation).

How the mahonia shrub grows in natural conditions, look at the photo:

In the vastness of Europe, M. aquifolium began to be actively cultivated in the mid-19th century. H

To understand what holly mahonia looks like, read its description - below are suggested key features and typical signs:

• • Mahonia is a slow-growing shrub, the height of mature specimens reaches 1.2-1.5 m. The branches initially rush upward, and then gradually fall down, spreading along the ground.

• The foliage is reminiscent of holly, hence the name of the plant - "holly". In winter, the leaves do not fall, they just change their color slightly. In summer the crown is rich green, with the onset of cold weather it becomes golden-red-brown. The purple tint persists until spring. The leaves are leathery, dense, glossy. Each massive element (up to 20 cm in size) has 5 to 6 miniature leaves.
• Erect inflorescences at the end of the branches appear after the 2nd decade of May or the 1st half of June. The flowers are very fragrant, variegated yellow. The pleasant smell attracts many pollinating insects. Sometimes in the fall, mahonia blooms again.
• The fruiting period begins in late summer. If the pollination process was successful, and Mahonia is holly good care received, the bush will be literally strewn with fruits. In autumn, completely blue-black berries with a beautiful bluish coating ripen. They are distinguished by their oval shape, their size is about 1 cm. The fruit tastes sweet, with pronounced sourness.

When growing in bright and sunny areas with fertile soil the plant forms a dense, dense, low grove.

After reading the characteristics and description of Mahonia, look at the photo presented below:

Mahonia in the Moscow region is becoming original decoration personal plots, gardens, alleys. This is where flowering comes in active phase from mid-spring, the harvest ripens towards the end of summer. Mahonia is used everywhere in landscape design, because it retains its decorative properties. all year round, at any stage of its development, is not afraid of shadows, gas or smoke, and tolerates shaping haircuts well. It is also customary to plant specimens in city parks, squares, and along highway paths.

In the central zone of the country, shrubs are prone to freezing, especially in frosty but snowless winters. For this reason, the cultivation of mahonia holly, planting and caring for it in the Moscow region require mandatory protection from low temperatures. This is especially true for young bushes - those that have not yet had time to take root completely.

American barberry berries are eaten, frozen for storage or ground with sugar. They make delicious jams, marmalade, preserves, purees, and jelly. Confectioners and winemakers use the fruit as a natural dye. The plant contains a lot useful substances, the cultivation of mahonia is relevant for homeopathy and traditional medicine.

The root part is the raw material for the production of a medicinal extract, rich in a complex of valuable elements:

• ascorbic acid;
• tannins;
• organic acids;
• different types of alkaloids, etc.

The bitter mixture increases appetite, tones the body, prevents early aging, and strengthens the immune system. It also improves the functioning of the cardiovascular system (strengthens capillary walls, stabilizes blood flow), and neutralizes the negative effects of free radicals.

The extract has a beneficial effect on the digestive canal. It is indicated for cholecystitis, hepatitis, dysbacteriosis. The product demonstrates noticeable antibacterial and antiviral activity. It has proven itself well in dermatological practice, where it is used in the treatment of pustular rashes, herpes, eczema, and psoriasis.

The bush contains the component “berberine”. The substance reduces the level of glucose and lipids in the blood, optimizes the natural production of insulin. Based on this, mahonia is used in the treatment of diabetes.

There are contraindications to taking natural preparations based on Oregon grapes: lactation period in women, pregnancy, personal intolerance to the elements of the composition, etc. Use is not recommended for pediatric patients. Before starting treatment, you need to consult with a specialist, because illiterate actions can cause harm to your own health.

Varieties of mahonia holly (with photo)

Foreign breeders (mostly the Dutch) have developed many cultivated, highly decorative forms of the plant. Not all of them take root in Russia due to the country’s climate. Only a few varieties of mahonia are bred, planting and caring for which in the Moscow region can be provided in accordance with the needs of the shrub. Not long ago, we began to import two varieties of mahonia of Dutch selection - Apollo and Atropurpurea. Each of them is good in its own way, has characteristic features, about which we'll talk further.

Unlike ordinary mahonia, plantings of the new Apollo variety do not grow to uncontrollable proportions over time. There are no special requirements for planting mahonia and caring for it in open ground. A strongly branched, multi-stemmed shrub is classified as a slow-growing species. The height of a mature ground cover sample usually does not exceed 60 cm, and the diameter is 1 m.

The odd-pinnate, shiny leaves grow up to 30 cm long and consist of 5-7 spiny-toothed leaves. Their color is prone to seasonal metamorphosis:

• when blooming, the leaf primordia have a reddish tint;
• in summer the leaves become lush green;
• in autumn the crown is red-bronze;
• In winter, the foliage turns purple with a violet tint.

The plant delights with clusters of numerous yellow flowers, as well as edible dark purple fruits.

The Apollo variety of mahonia holly shrub is unpretentious and grows well in both sunny and shaded areas. In the sun, luxurious dense bushes form, but in partial shade it is easier for the plant to overwinter. Starting in spring, the bush forms an attractive carpet, low curb. Since plants rarely grow beyond measure, they require almost no pruning.

Another popular variety is M. Atropurpurea - a description of this mahonia is offered below:

1. the height of the evergreen bush is about 0.5 m, width – up to 1 m;
2. crown shape – dome-shaped;
3. growth rate – moderate;
4. leaves – alternate, pinnate, elliptical;
5. the shade of the foliage part is from green and copper to violet-brown;
6. flowers are yellow, with a specific aroma;
7. fruits are black, round berries with a diameter of about 1 cm;
8. The root system is well developed (the skeletal roots are deep, the lateral roots are located superficially), branched, and when pressed, it releases juice that has a strong coloring ability.

M. Atropurpurea is very light-loving and prefers moist soil, although it can grow in drought conditions. It is resistant to difficult urban conditions; in severe winters it is prone to freezing, but in the spring it recovers very quickly.

After reading the description of holly mahonia, look at the photo to see what this variety looks like:

Reproduction of mahonia holly by cuttings, seeds and layering

There are several effective ways, with the help of which mahonia holly is bred - this is propagation by cuttings, sowing seeds and the formation of layering. Each gardener chooses the most suitable, convenient option for himself. Most people prefer propagation by cuttings for mahonia - the technology is simple, effective, and does not involve complex manipulations.

How mahonia holly is propagated by cuttings is described below - read more key points procedures:

1. In early spring, lignified shoots are cut and all leaves are removed.
2. The cuttings are placed in a container with water (only 2-3 buds are left above the surface of the liquid).
3. The vessel is sent to fresh air, but protect from bright rays.
4. When, after a few months, the length of the roots on the shoots reaches a length of 5 cm, the cuttings can be planted in open ground, covering after planting with a glass jar or transparent plastic bottle.
5. After 10 days, they begin to harden the plant, raising the cover more and more every day.

Growing cuttings of Mahonia holly allows you to obtain a specimen that completely repeats the biological characteristics of the mother bush.

No less often than cuttings, another method of spreading mahonia holly is used - propagation by sowing seeds purchased in a store for summer residents or obtained independently from the fruits of the plant that have ripened in the fall. If you plant grains immediately after harvesting, they will undergo natural stratification, and by spring they will delight you with young seedlings. The seeds are sent into small holes, deepened by 1-2 cm. Mulching of the sprouts is highly recommended. Gardeners move seedlings that have reached the age of 2 years to a permanent place of “habitat”, where they then provide mahonia with caring for and cultivation according to generally accepted rules.

Mahonia can also be propagated very successfully by layering. For this purpose, the most powerful, healthy branches in the spring are bent close to the ground and placed in a previously prepared oblong hole. The shoot is pinned with a large metal bracket and sprinkled with a layer of fertile soil. The top is left free on the outside.

How mahonia is planted and cared for in this way, look at the photo:

To optimize the rooting process, the bend on the branch is tied with wire. By autumn, the cuttings should take root on their own. Then it can be separated from the mother specimen. This manipulation is postponed until next year if the root apparatus is not strong enough. In the future they create favorable conditions for the development of mahonia (care and cultivation are closely interrelated activities).

Planting and caring for holly mahonia in open ground

The first stage of planting mahonia holly is the choice suitable place for her. The plant loves semi-shaded areas that are not exposed to drafts. The soil needs to be moist, rich, slightly acidic and always loosened. The optimal composition of the substrate is humus, turf soil, sand (proportion 3:2:2). This combination of components will be ideal for the mahonia shrub - planting and care will give the desired results. Since the plant reacts painfully to stagnant water, the soil needs to be drained.

See how mahonia holly is planted in the photo below:

What care does the plant need?

The beautiful mahonia shrub needs proper care after planting. Only in this case will the plant be able to fulfill its decorative functions and bear fruit well.

• Feeding. Mineral or organic fertilizer It is advisable to apply it in the spring, scattering it near the roots of the plant. This is done at least twice a season.
• Watering. The shrub bravely endures drought, but you should not deliberately test its strength. The plant responds with sincere gratitude to rational watering. One specimen will require 10 to 12 liters of clean water. The procedure is performed no more than twice a month, since you cannot overdo it with moisture - its excess can be even more harmful than its deficiency. Sometimes in the evening the crown of the bush is sprayed (if the summer is very hot). Such an event cleanses the pores of the leaves, refreshes general view plantings.
• Trimming. It is not necessary to trim the bush, since it extremely rarely grows beyond measure. If there is a need for it, then it is carried out immediately after flowering or closer to autumn. The shoots are shortened by no more than half. They do it in the spring sanitary pruning– get rid of all damaged, frozen, unhealthy branches.

Mahonia also tolerates rejuvenating care painlessly - look at the photo to see what abundant, luxurious growth it produces after radical pruning “to the stump”:

• Loosening and mulching. The soil is constantly maintained in a structured state. In mid-autumn, the tree trunk circle is mulched with a layer of decomposed organic matter (3-5 cm thick).
• Preparing for the winter season. Young, fragile shoots do not survive wintering well. In the fall, they are reliably insulated with spruce branches; during the first 4-5 years of life, such shelter is simply necessary.

Particular attention should be paid to protecting shrubs from diseases and pests. For spotting, use copper-containing products, green soap, copper sulfate or Bordeaux mixture. Powdery mildew is combated using drugs such as foundationazole, karatan, and colloidal sulfur.