Mahonia height. Holly mahonia is an evergreen relative of the barberry. Propagation of holly mahonia by cuttings, seeds and layering

A relative of the barberry is good for everyone - and glossy feathery leaves with sharp spines at the ends, like a holly, and fluffy sunny-yellow bunches of inflorescences with a lily-of-the-valley aroma, and bright clusters of blue berries, like grapes, which many consider inedible, and someone produces from them fine house wine.

Thanks to all these qualities, mahonia has gathered several folk names: lily of the valley shrub, holly barberry, Oregon grape.

A spectacular evergreen bush from the Barberry family was first described in 1806 by a gardener, author of the American garden calendar Bernard McMahon, who was acclimatizing on the east coast of plants brought from western regions United States by the Clark and Lewis Expedition. Subsequently, the plant is named after him.

North America is considered the birthplace of mahonia, but of the 50 known plant species, many grow in the central and eastern regions of the Asian continent.

The appearance of the shrub is attractive at any time of the year: in spring - with lush placers of flowers that envelop the entire plant; in summer - brilliant carved foliage of an emerald hue; in autumn - dark purple fruits covered with a bluish bloom; in winter - a catchy red-bronze crown, blazing against the background of snow-white silence.

Upward shrub forms grow small, with the exception of Japanese mahonia, up to 1 m; in breadth the crown reaches one and a half meters in circumference.

Magonia pagons have a gray bark, young ones have a pinkish tinge, older ones have a brown one and, unlike barberry, are devoid of thorns. Gorgeous pinnate leaves sometimes grow up to 40-50 cm in length, lobules complex sheet shiny, with a spiky serrated edge. Small yellow buds, like ranunculus, consist of 9 sepals and 6 petals and are collected in lush paniculate inflorescences. Fruits - dark blue berries with a bluish film or small fluff, almost round shape up to 1 cm in diameter, with 2-8 seeds.

Species, varieties and hybrids, forms of mahonia

holly, or Oregon grapes - the most commonly cultivated species, unpretentious in care, not particularly demanding on soils, leaves look like holly, hence the specific name. Gives a lot of root offspring, blooms in late April-May, the berries ripen in the last days of August-September. Rarely blooms again in warm autumn.

Known several decorative forms:

• walnut - with denser leaf plates than the species plant;
• graceful - distinguished by elongated leaf segments compared to a typical shrub;
• golden - foliage with a golden sheen;
• variegated - with spotty leaves.

The varietal diversity of the species is impressive: Smaragd, Moseri, Apollo, Forescate, Donnewell, Atropurpurea, Versicolor, Compactum, Orange, Flame and others.

creeping- creeping evergreen shrub from 25 to 50 cm tall. The leaves are broadly ovate, dull green with a bluish tint, bordered by small spines. small brushes yellow flowers formed on the tops of the shoots in May. The fruits are blue, almost black berries, covered with small fluffs, ripen in September.

Wagner- in many ways resembles the holly, prefers to grow on moist soil in partial shade or shade. Forms racemose inflorescences of bright yellow six-petal star-shaped flowers in May. The berries are almost black. Varieties Pinnacle, Undulata are grown.

Japanese- bushes are larger, up to 2 m high and 3 m in diameter, sometimes they form into a small tree. The leaves are pinnate with 6-8 pairs of lobules and one apical leaflet, the leaf plates are rich green above, somewhat paler below. Small fragrant yellow flowers are collected in panicles about 25 cm long. The fruits are dark blue to black.

The species is widely used for hybridization, the best hybrids very popular among flower growers:

• Charity
• Winter
• Lionel
• Buckland
• Fortescue
• Faith and others.

Care and cultivation of mahonia

The shrub is not particularly picky about the composition of the soil, of course, it develops better on a humus-rich soil that is sufficiently moist, but not so much that moisture stagnation is observed. The place is suitable on the warm side of the house, protected from the wind. The plant is quite frost-resistant, but it is better to cover young bushes of the first or second year of life for the winter with spruce branches, fallen leaves, and sawdust mulch.

Magonia grows well in the shade, and forms lush decorative bushes in sunny areas.

Shrubs are planted at a distance of 1 m from each other. The plant has cross-pollination, therefore, if it is planned to pick berries, mahonia is not grown in a single quantity in the garden. For decorative purposes, bushes look great in a solitaire version.

Pits for shrubs are prepared with a depth of at least 50 cm, a small drainage layer of small pebbles is laid on the bottom, then a mixture of soddy soil, humus and sand is poured in a ratio of 1:2:1. The plant in the hole is placed in such a way that the root neck is at the level of the soil line.

AT abundant watering the plant does not need, the first time after planting, until it takes root, mahonia is watered twice a week. Mature shrubs are usually content with sedimentary moisture, only in especially dry summers the bushes are moistened every 2 weeks, pouring up to 10 liters of water under each bush.

Magonia is fed twice a season: the first time in early spring on the eve of flowering of nitroammophos, the second - after fruiting with phosphorus-potassium fertilizers or rotted manure.

Pruning is also carried out in autumn, not forgetting that the flowers of the shrub are formed on last year's shoots, and cutting them off by no more than a third, otherwise the flowering next spring will be meager and unfriendly. Other methods of care include loosening the soil, removing weeds.

Magonia reproduction

The easiest way to propagate magonia is by root shoots: in the spring, root offspring are carefully dug up, cut off from the mother bushes, and transplanted separately, observing the basic rules of planting.

Cuttings are allowed, using young stems with 4-6 buds, cuttings from old pagons take root much more problematic.

The formation of roots is observed even in water, if the cutting is immersed in a deeper container, leaving only 3-4 leaves above the surface. After about 2 months, young roots will appear at the cuttings. When they reach 5-7 cm, you can transplant the sprout into open ground, having covered glass jar or plastic bottle. After 10 days, the planted cuttings begin to harden, lifting the shelter, first for a short time, then for a longer period.

Layers are also used in the reproduction of mahonia: in the spring, a bent branch is sprinkled with earth and regularly moistened. If by autumn a good root system at the layer, it is transplanted in the fall, separating it from mother plant. If the roots are poorly developed over the summer, leave layering until spring.

Mahonia seeds are harvested after fruit ripening and sown before frost in dimples to a depth of 1-2 cm - so they will undergo natural stratification, and seedlings will sprout in spring. Dense sprouts are planted as seedlings, rare shoots are left until next year. Two-year-old seedlings are usually transplanted to a permanent place.

Diseases and pests

Insect pests that annoy the majority garden plants, are practically not observed on mahonia.

Among diseases, shrubs are affected by various fungal infections. Bushes are sprayed from spotting Bordeaux liquid. Often a white powdery coating appears on the plant - powdery mildew. Plants growing under conditions affected by this disease are treated for prevention all summer with a frequency of 10 days with foundationazole and other similar means. From rust on the bushes, plants are sprayed with sulfur-containing preparations.

Usage

The shrub is popular in landscape design, it is grown as hedges, under trees, as a backdrop for flowering plants - camellias, roses, magnolias, rhododendrons. Bulbs, primroses and especially those blooming in autumn look spectacular next to mahonia.

The fruits of the shrub are used for food. Rich in ascorbic acid, pectin and tannins, they have wonderful palatability for the preparation of juices, compotes, wine, they are added to kissels and jams.

Due to the presence of berberine and other alkaloids in fruits, seeds, mahonia bark, the plant is used in medicine as an antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, diuretic and choleretic agent, but for the sake of caution, pregnant women should avoid eating berries.

Magonia holly represents the Barberry family. Latin name beautiful bush- Mahonia aquifolium. This evergreen representative flora not afraid of cold weather and endures snowdrifts. Culture is actively used by landscape designers in the design various territories. The shrub looks great as an ornamental.

plant description

This shrub, which attracted many, came to us from North America, where it is called "Oregon grapes." This is due to the fact that its natural thickets are widespread in native California and Oregon.

In nature, there are more than 50 types of culture.

The dimensions of the holly mahonia are impressive. It can grow up to two meters high. The plant has very beautiful leathery leaves with a pleasant sheen, which throughout the warm period delight with their rich in green, and in the fall they change it to an unusual purple-brown shade.

The bushes not only have attractive foliage, but also flowers. In May, thickets of mahonia are covered with whole caps of rich yellow buds, which are collected in inflorescences in the form of a brush. They spread a pleasant aroma, so other insects constantly circle over the plant. In good growing conditions, mahonia shrub blooms twice a year.

For changing lush bloom it's time for fruition. Round berries, blue with a bluish bloom, cover the bush and become its additional decoration for several months. The fruits are edible, they are used in medicine to lower blood pressure, and in their homeland they even cook compotes from them.

Since the plant is cross-pollinated, at least two bushes must be planted on the site to form berries.

In landscape gardening, in addition to holly mahonia, the following varieties are popular:

• nut-leaved;
• golden;
• graceful;
• motley.

All of them differ in size and shade of plates. In bushes of mahonia, golden foliage has a yellowish outline, and variegated plates have a white border. Both of these varieties look favorably when alternating with a holly look.

Holly mahonia: care and cultivation

The evergreen plant is long-lived. With proper cultivation and care, Holly mahonia pleases its owners for many years.

Landing

Under natural conditions, this representative of the flora lives in the shade of tall trees and therefore does not like the sun too much. For planting holly mahonia, it is better to choose a darkened place. Bright Sun rays can cause burns on the foliage, as a result of which it will lose its attractive appearance, and the bush will grow poorly.

The soil

The composition of the earth is not decisive. grows well on loamy soils. To plant it, they dig holes 50 cm deep. The specimens are planted, leaving gaps of one to two meters. The main thing is not to deepen the root neck. It is allowed to transplant bushes at any time of the year, except for the latest autumn, when the plant is preparing to rest.

Watering

Magonia holly loves water. It needs to be watered regularly. To prevent moisture from evaporating so quickly, better space around the plant. It is favorable to systematically spray the foliage with plain water or special fertilizers. Such foliar top dressing mahonia will benefit.

bush shearing

Pruning of shoots is carried out in early spring before the movement of juice begins. Trim only adult specimens that are over 10 years old. Shearing helps to give a neat shape to middle-aged, overgrown plants. Cut undamaged branches can be used for cuttings.

Best of all, the bush develops in weak penumbra.

top dressing

In order for the plant to have a healthy and attractive appearance, it is important to systematically fertilize it. You can spray the foliage throughout the warm period with breaks of a month. Root top dressing carried out in the spring. To do this, mineral fertilizer of the complex direction is scattered around the trunk directly on the ground.

Pests and diseases

Magonia is one of the plants that is quite resistant to diseases, but it is not always possible to completely avoid them. It is most susceptible to the appearance of spotting, rust, powdery mildew. To prevent the development of these ailments, systematic preventive spraying with copper-based preparations should be carried out. To do this, dissolve a mixture of 200 g of green soap and 20 g of soap in 10 liters of water. blue vitriol. Bordeaux liquid is also suitable.

Powdery mildew covers the beautiful shiny leaves and shoots of mahonia with a white coating. To combat this disease, the shrub is sprayed twice a month with Fundazol or Callatan. Products with sulfur in the composition do an excellent job with rust. For prevention, shrubs can be treated with Tsineb in the spring. If rust has begun to affect the plates, they are immediately removed to prevent the spread of the disease.

Plant propagation methods

You can get additional plants for the plot by cuttings, dividing rhizomes or planting seeds.

cuttings

This is the most popular breeding method for Holly mahonia. With the right procedure, you can grow a beautiful and healthy plant.

When propagating magonia with holly cuttings, it is necessary to take into account the following expert advice:

• for cuttings choose only healthy green shoots;
• from below, the planting material is cut obliquely, from above - at a right angle;
• so that the separated branches take root faster, they are treated with stimulating drugs;
• large leaves are removed up to half;
• the cuttings are placed in an earthen mixture, they are deepened to the first kidney;
• plants are watered and covered with a jar or placed in a greenhouse to accelerate root growth;
• it is important to carry out preventive watering or spraying with fungicides.

Division of rhizomes

Another popular way to propagate holly mahonia is with the help of layering. To this end, in the spring, the shoots are tilted to the ground, fixed with wire, covered with an earthen mixture so that the top is above it. Thus, layering will take root faster. If necessary, they additionally cover the ground with polyethylene and periodically irrigate. In this state, the shoots are left until autumn. When the roots are well formed, the shoot is cut off from the parent specimen and planted as an independent plant. If the roots turned out to be small and undeveloped, I leave the shoots rooted until spring.

seed way

It's over complex view breeding. The cultivation of holly mahonia from seeds is carried out both in autumn and in spring. Seeds are preliminarily kept in the refrigerator for at least three months. For autumn sowing, this procedure can be omitted, but sown well in advance of the onset of frost. The seeds are deepened by only 1.5-2 cm.

Another option for getting a new shrub is to cut off several shoots in winter and put them in a jar of water. Keep them in a bright warm place. After a couple of months, the branches take root. Instances that have remained the same should be dug up on the site in the spring.

Magonia in the Moscow region

Adult plants are not at all afraid of the cold, they tolerate wintering well. Therefore, in the Moscow region, holly mahonia takes root and does not require specific care. The main thing is to protect young specimens in the first two years of cultivation.

Previously, the plant was used to dye fabrics in a yellow tint.

For this you need:

1. In mid-autumn, shrubs spud, well sprinkling the near-stem circle with earth. The higher you fill it with soil, the better it will be for the plant.
2. For wintering, mahonia shrubs are covered with spruce branches. Instead, you can fill the trunk circle with a good layer of any dry residue. For these purposes, ordinary straw, hay, needles are suitable. This will protect the young root system from freezing.
3. In severe frosts, snowdrifts are applied to the bushes, creating a protective “fur coat” for them. If the winter is not very fierce, this can not be done.
4. After the snow melts, the plantings are freed from spruce branches or mulch. As the earth warms up, the ground around the bush is leveled.

Due to its exceptional hardiness, mahonia is a versatile plant in the list. landscape designers. With the help of her flowering shrubs you can make a hedge, place on a hill with stones or plant separately. Mahonia is combined with many plants in compositions. It looks especially good in the company of barberry, roses, Japanese quince or primroses. Plant mahonia in your area, it deserves it, as well as proper, caring care.

Video about holly mahonia

The genus unites 50 species, native to Central and North America, East Asia.

Magonia is an evergreen shrub, with shiny, pinnate, leathery leaves, along the edge of the leaves are sharp-toothed.

Magonia flowers are yellow, small, in many-flowered inflorescences. The fruits of this shrub are blue, with a bluish bloom, very rarely whitish or red, spherical or oval.

Magonia is shade-tolerant, tolerates pruning, and is resistant to pests. beautiful plant for edges, undersized groups, borders.

Species and varieties

Mahonia holly

Holly mahonia is native to North America. AT natural conditions found on overgrown slopes and in forests. Drought-resistant.

Evergreen shrub 1.5 m in height. An interesting shrub, especially with leathery, large, shiny leaves, from 6-9 prickly-toothed leaves; when blooming they are reddish, in summer they are dark green, in autumn they are red-golden-bronze.

The leaves are shaped like holly leaves. The flowers of the holly mahonia are numerous, yellow, in erect, branched inflorescences at the ends of the shoots. It blooms in May for about a month, sometimes it blooms again in October.

The fruits are blue, edible, sour-sweet, ripen in August, giving the bush a certain originality. Holly mahonia is a cross-pollinated plant.

Therefore, gardeners who want to grow mahonia as a berry crop need to plant at least two bushes. The harvest of holly mahonia depends on pollination conditions.

If pollination went well, then the bush will be strewn with fruits. However, holly mahonia is primarily decorative culture and not berry.

Magonia holly gives root offspring, thanks to them low thickets are formed. Forms dense bushes in full sun.

Shade-tolerant. This shrub loves humus-rich soils; perfectly tolerates the conditions of the city, shaping and trimming the crown.

On the winter hardiness of holly mahonia in Russia in middle lane there are conflicting opinions. This is no coincidence. Since the natural range of this shrub is extended from north to south along the western part of the mainland.

Forms, originally from the southern part of the natural range, sometimes freeze slightly with us. At the same time, plants from the northern part are quite winter-hardy. Also, frost resistance depends on the age of the plant.

Young specimens of mahonia freeze more often than adult bushes. Therefore, young specimens need to be covered for the winter. To do this, use spruce branches, fallen leaves, on top of which it is necessary to put a film.

Magonia holly is decorative all year round. It is beautiful in spring, when most of the species have not yet been enveloped in foliage, and reddish, young, shiny leaves are visible in it.

During the flowering period, its yellow inflorescences are perfectly combined with shiny dark leathery foliage. It is also spectacular when fruiting, decorated with blue fruits.

Looks great in single landings, in borders, in the design of rocky hills.

Decorative forms of mahonia: walnut - leaves are denser than those of a typical form; graceful - with long leaves; golden - with golden leaves; motley - with motley.

Magonia creeping

Creeping mahonia comes from North America. Under natural conditions, it grows in forests and on slopes. Drought-resistant. Practically unknown in horticultural culture.

By appearance differs little from the holly, only the height of the bush rarely exceeds 50 cm. The leaves are dull gray-green, leathery, prickly, sharp-toothed.

Magonia grows creeping slowly. It blooms from the age of six, rarely a second time in September.

More frost-resistant than holly mahonia, but less effective.

Creeping Magonia shoots have a high rooting ability. Good as a ground cover shrub in borders and rocky hills.

In Moscow, it can winter in open ground, but the plant must be covered from severe frosts.

Magonia creeping has decorative forms: round-leaved; large-fruited.

Mahonia location

Plant in open sunny areas. Tolerates little shading.

Soil for Mahonia

Prefers fresh, fertile, loose soils. When the soil is compacted, it grows worse. On heavy soils, drainage with a layer of 25 cm is needed.

Landing

Magonia can be transplanted at any age. Does not tolerate late autumn transplanting.

Magonia Care

It is necessary to feed 2 times per season. In the spring, after planting, mulching is not necessary, and in the fall it is best to cover the plants with spruce branches or a dry leaf.

Since mahonia bushes do not grow tall, pruning of the plant is usually not resorted to. In order for the mahonia bushes to be thick and low, they are trimmed after flowering has ended. It must be remembered that mahonia flowers are laid on the shoots of the last year, so the shoots must be cut in half so as not to weaken the flowering.

reproduction

Layering, grafting, seeds. Seeds are best sown in the fall, after harvest. This shrub, as a rule, does not give growth. Mahonia is propagated by cuttings. Only young plants are used for cutting cuttings. Cuttings from old mahonia bushes do not take root.

Usage

A shrub with decorative foliage and branches attracts the attention of florists to create compositions and winter bouquets.

Magonia looks picturesque in groups on the lawn, among the stones, against the background of trees, in hedges. It serves as an excellent background for some ornamental plants.

The combination with charming roses is especially good: mahonia can be an excellent frame for a rose garden or fill the space between the bushes.

Beautiful combinations with primroses and Japanese quince. Thanks to root offspring, mahonia grows very quickly and grows as a ground cover that forms low thickets.

Magonia (lat. Mahonia) is a genus of shrubs (sometimes small trees) from the Barberry family (lat. Berberidaceae). The name of the genus was given in the 19th century in honor of the gardener from Ireland B. McMahon, who was engaged in the acclimatization of plants brought from the West of the USA to the east coast of the country. In America, it is often called "Oregon Grape".

Description

Magonia is an evergreen shrub with in gray bark. Sometimes it grows like a tree. The leaves are compound, pinnate, consisting of 3-13 simple leaflets, with a shiny surface and sharp-toothed edges. The length of the leaves can be 40 - 50 cm.

Mahonia holly

Inflorescences - many-flowered panicles, are formed in the axils of the leaves. The flowers are small, bisexual, with nine sepals and six petals and stamens. The color of the flowers is yellow or pale yellow. The petals are arranged in two circles. Flower correct form.

The fruit is a blue-black berry up to 10 mm in diameter, often with a bloom or fine pubescence, rounded or slightly elongated. The wood is bright yellow. Annual rings are visible on the cut. Most species bloom in May.

Botanical illustration of three types of mahonia (japanese, holly and lomaryleaf)

Popular types and varieties

The natural environment of mahonia is North America and Asia (Eastern and Central). The genus includes about 50 species, some of which are known only in culture.

M. creeping(lat. M. repens). The area of ​​​​growth extends to the whole of North America. Creeping shrub, 25 - 50 cm high. The leaves consist of 3 - 7 simple leaves, 3 - 6 cm long, blue-green in color, matte, sharp-toothed along the edge. Petioles 2 -3 cm. Inflorescences - short brushes (3 - 7 cm). Berries are almost black in color with fluff. Blooms in May. Fruits in September. The cultivar 'Denver Strain' is often grown in gardens.

M. holly(lat. M. aquifolium) in natural conditions is more common in North America. Cultivated in gardens southern regions, and sometimes in the western and central states of the United States. Can run wild and grow in forests. The shrub grows up to 100 cm, often forming thickets, growing with root offspring. Young shoots have a pink-gray bark, old ones - brown-gray.

The leaves are serrated (15 - 20 cm) have reddish petioles. They are glossy top part dark green, lower matte pale green. Flowers (0.8 cm) are collected in brushes or panicles, formed in the axils of the apical bud. Painted in bright yellow color with a hint of lemon. Flowering is observed in April - May. Fruit ripening - in August - September.

old mahonia

M. japonica(lat. M. japonica). The origin is clear from the name of the species. Cultivated in the gardens of China and Japan, does not occur in the natural environment. The species is represented by trees up to 400 cm high with erect branches, almost not branching. The bark is gray, cracked, young annual shoots have a bluish coating. Apical buds are large (2 - 5 cm) with scales. The rest of the kidneys are smaller and without scales.

The leaves are oblong 30 -45 cm, arcuately curved. At the tops of the shoots grow crowded. Consist of 9-13 simple leaves. Inflorescences - dense brushes 10 - 20 cm, consisting of a large number of flowers. Pedicels about 1 cm long. Flowers 0.8 cm by 0.6 in size, fragrant, associated by smell with lily of the valley. The sepals are reddish and greenish. Petals are yellow. The berries are blue matte with a wax coating, 0.8 cm in diameter. Flowering occurs in May - June. Fruiting - in September. The cultivar ‘Chereti’ (‘Charity’) is widely popular.

M. lomaryleaf(lat. M. lomariifolia) - a tall plant, originally from China. The inflorescences are very long, up to 25 cm. The flowers smell slightly. Flowering occurs in autumn. In culture, the variety "Takeda" ('Takeda') is used.

M. Fremonti(lat. M. fremontii) - a species characterized by a light gray-green leaf color, originally from the west coast of the United States. Shrubs up to 300 cm, blooming with pale yellow flowers. The fruits are reddish-purple. Young leaves have a slightly purple tint, adults are green, and old ones are bluish-gray.

Magonia Japanese "Chereti"

Since mahonia is a very close relative of the barberry, which differs from it in the absence of sharp spines, representatives of these genera successfully interbreed with each other. For example, in ornamental gardening, a hybrid is used, obtained by crossing M. holly and B. ordinary, called Magobarbaris Newberg (lat. Mahoberberis neubertii) - a very beautiful semi-evergreen shrub growing up to 100 cm. The species is frost-resistant. Flowering in the middle lane starts in early May. The flowers are collected in racemes 4-8 cm long, fragrant, golden yellow.

Hybrid "Winter Sun" (lat. Mahonia × media 'Winter Sun') is the result of crossing M. lomary-leaved and M. Japanese. It grows up to 200 cm. Unfortunately, it is difficult to grow, as it blooms in winter, which is why it was called "winter sun".

Magonia hybrid, cultivar "Winter Sun"

M. bracts‘Soft Caress’ (lat. M. eurybracteata ‘Soft Caress’) originally from China, distinguished by narrow exquisite leaves and a very decorative look. Quite popular for growing in containers. The variety has been awarded at international competitions.

Photogallery of species

Cultivation and care

Mahonia has no special requirements for light. It can develop in a sunny place, in partial shade and light shade. Grows slowly. Soils like loose, fertile. A mixture of garden soil with humus, sand and soddy soil is well suited for it. If the land on the site is clay, then a drainage layer is necessary. Magonia is planted to a depth of 40 - 50 cm in moist soil, the root neck should be level with the soil surface.

Mulching for the winter

Feed mahonia in early spring(before the start of flowering), you can apply mineral fertilizer (for example, "Kemira Universal") or nitroammophoska. It is noteworthy that in conditions of non-dry summer it is not necessary to water the shrub. But if, nevertheless, the weather is hot, and it does not rain, then watering is done every two weeks. The soil around the plant must be loosened to avoid compaction. For the winter, the ground is mulched with sawdust or needles in a sufficient layer so that the roots do not freeze. If the winters in the region are especially cold and snowless, then you can cover the entire bush with spruce branches.

It does not require pruning, as it grows slowly and many species are not tall. After flowering, you can cut to shape, but you can not shorten the shoots by more than half the length, because. this can significantly reduce flowering next year.

Mahonia in autumn

reproduction

Perhaps seeds, cuttings and root layers.

Seeds are sown in autumn (having previously cleaned and dried) immediately in a flower bed. If you do this in the spring, then they need a four-month stratification, and when sown in autumn, it will be natural. A plant grown from seeds blooms no earlier than in the 4th year of life. Therefore, it is easier to use cuttings.

When propagating mahonia with cuttings, only young plants are chosen for their harvesting, since the material from old bushes does not take root. If mahonia gives root shoots, then they can also be propagated, but not all species have such shoots.

It is most reliable to purchase a ready-made two-year-old seedling, more often on sale there is M. holly, which is most suitable for the conditions of our climate.

Container Growing (M. eurybracteata ‘Soft Caress’)

Diseases and pests

Mahonia can be affected by spotting, powdery mildew, rust, as well as phyllostictosis and stagonosporosis. To prevent diseases, plants are sprayed with sulfur-containing preparations, a solution of copper sulphate or special formulations. To combat fungi in early spring, all affected leaves must be cut off and destroyed. Spraying with fungicidal preparations, for example, copper oxychloride, also helps.

Pest attacks are infrequent, but when they occur, appropriate insecticides.

Spring bloom: mahonia and daffodils

Use in landscape design

In decorative floriculture, it is used for landscaping gardens and parks. Low types and varieties of mahonia look good in border plantings and hedges (they can be uncut). Can perform lower tier for tall shrubs.

It looks beautiful among the stones, near the walls of houses. It can be an excellent background for any plants, thanks to early flowering and beautiful decorative foliage. On the site, mahonia is often combined with roses. Inflorescences and leaves look spectacular in bouquets.

Interesting fact: The bark of the shrub contains substances that are successfully used to treat skin diseases in homeopathy. The fruits of some species are edible and can be used as a natural dye.

An evergreen mahonia plant, known since 1818 as "Oregon grape" or lat. Mahonia belongs to the Barberry family. ornamental shrub with black and blue berries that have useful properties and unusual taste, does not require special conditions soil maintenance and fertilization. It tolerates frost and arid climate well, grows in the shade. A tree up to 1.5 meters tall is widely used in landscape design.

Although North America is considered to be the birthplace of mahonia, representatives of the species can be found in southern regions Russia and East Asia. It takes its name from the work of Irish-American horticulturist Bernard McMahon, who helped adapt the broad-leaved, low-growing shrubs for further cultivation in the United States, and also published a complete horticultural book.

A close relative of the barberry grows everywhere from Colombia to California, in the northern Caucasus, the Baltic states and Ukraine.

Popular holly mahonia or Mahonia aquifolium is not sensitive to low temperatures. Freezes only under conditions severe frosts with a weak cover of the root part.

Oregon grapes love nutritious, fresh soil, but can tolerate soil compaction in dry areas. In natural natural area prefers mountain slopes, forest thickets, moist soil and the shady side of the plots.

Young leaves are leathery, have a reddish tint. In summer they become dark green with a glossy surface. By late autumn, when access to sunlight is limited, they turn bronze and dark brown. The flowering period coincides with last days April, early May. Accompanied by the appearance of edible bluish-black berries, the size of which does not exceed 8 mm. On mature fruits in September, a bluish bloom forms.

Species and varieties

There are about 50 unique specimens of a small ornamental shrub.

For example, mahonia holly(lat. mahonia aquifolium) is a perennial evergreen plant of the Barberry family. The shrub has acclimatized to the warm, changeable weather of America. The gray bark contains sapwood, bright yellow wood with growth rings inside. Leaves with spiky serrated edges complex structure stipules may form. During flowering, they turn green up to an olive color. During the ripening period, the fruits become dark green. In autumn and winter, they acquire red-golden or bronze tones, and then change color to dark brown.

mahonia holly

The optimum height of a deciduous shrub is only 1.5 meters. The undersized plant is decorated with multiple branched shoots. Yellow inflorescences, resembling lush panicles, appear in the middle lane closer to the beginning of May. The flowers have 6 petals and the same number of stamens, arranged in two circles. It may re-bloom in October, during the hot "Indian summer". After 3-4 years, the tree begins to bear fruit. Blue-black or gray berries within 8 mm ripen in September. They have a sweet taste with a distinct sourness.

If you are engaged in breeding holly mahonia in the northern latitudes of Russia, you must take care in advance of sheltering young seedlings for the winter.

The ideal material is dry foliage or spruce branches.

mahonia holly

In the southern regions of Japan and China, growing mahonia japanese or lat. Mahonia japonica. It is a representative of the Buttercup order, the Barberry family. The evergreen tree was cultivated in Asia, gradually spread to Europe and the USA. Large dimensions up to 4 meters allow single and group landing. Weakly branching shoots allow the plant to be used in decorative landscaping of household plots.

The bark is covered with cracks, equipped with a cork layer, has gray shade. Young wood retains a bluish color. Apical buds with elongated dark green and oval scales reach 5 cm. Dense elastic leaves 30-45 cm long are arc-shaped, curved down. During the ripening period, the fruits change color to red-purple.

Flowering in May-June is accompanied by the appearance of pale yellow petals, which are collected in buds with a diameter of 6 mm, and pleasant aroma reminiscent of lily of the valley. With the advent of September, blue oblong berries are visualized, which have matte surface. The fruits are small, up to 8 mm in volume.

mahonia japanese

Magonia holly "Apollo" was bred by Dutch scientists in 1973. Received the name Mahonia aquifolium Apollo. The shrub of the genus Barberry is a slow growing evergreen horticultural crop. Forms an ideal ground cover due to its compact crown. Requires moisture maintenance, likes soil rich in humus and sunlight. During the dry season, watering can be done twice a week. For one bush, 10 liters of water is enough.

Despite the fact that the plant reaches only 0.6 meters, this disadvantage is compensated by the intense May flowering. You can enjoy the fragrant chocolate aroma of numerous yellow flowers for more than 25-30 days. Saturated green leaves with a length of 30 cm at the end of August take on a bronze color, and turn red-brown in autumn. Sweet and sour berries ripen in early August. Dark blue fruits are up to 1 cm in size. To protect the tree from frost, it should be covered during the first winters.

Magonia holly "Apollo"

Magonia average "Charity" or Mahonia media "Charity"- upright shrub that reaches a height of 1.5 meters. An adult plant has an oval crown with a diameter of 60 cm, numerous shoots. Rigid oval leaves are equipped with sharp teeth along the edges. Shiny and green in summer period by autumn they become burgundy. Yellow flowers that appear in May are collected in apical spikes. Already at the end of summer, the tree bears fruit with blue-black berries. Like all specimens of mahonia, they acquire a bluish tint. The advantage of landing "Charity" in its unpretentiousness. Prefers partial shade, does not require additional soil fertilization. To be safe, with the onset of cold weather, you can insulate the bush.

Mahonia media ‘Charity’. Oregon grape

Magonia creeping known from Canada to New Mexico, California and the northern United States. But the creeping shrub 50 cm tall has not gained wide popularity. Blue-green matte rounded leaves have denticles along the edge, combined in 3-7 pieces. Flower clusters appear in May, and fruits in September. Black berries with a distinct fluff taste sweetish-sour. Thanks to the root growth, the plant acquired the status of a bush. AT decorative purposes use the following types of creeping mahonia:

• round-leaved. Shoots consist of 5 separate leaflets;
• large-fruited. The sizes are 1.5 times larger than traditional berries. They are poisonous and dangerous.

Frosts do not affect the plant. Simple and care. Transplantation does not depend on the age of the bush. Soil replacement should be abandoned only in late autumn. If planted evergreen tree dense groups, a distance of 1 meter must be observed. Particular attention should be paid to the soil. We must not forget the proportions of humus, sod land and sand, maintain a ratio of 2: 1: 1. Be sure to feed in early spring and before flowering. The soil must be constantly loosened, as the undersized species does not like seals. On the clayey areas it is better to provide drainage, the layer of which should be about 20-25 cm.

For planting, it is better to choose a well-lit place or partial shade. Otherwise, the growth rate slows down and general form landscape.

In order to pollinate mahonia, it is recommended to place several bushes nearby. This will help speed up pollen transfer, which crosses the plant, and increase the volume of future fruits. If there is no need for berries, this rule can be bypassed. The stimulus for intensive growth and magnificent forms is sunlight and humus soil. When designing and creating natural design in the conditions of the city or elite suburban area the shoots are shortened, and the crown is also cut off.

plant care

Special efforts and difficulties do not arise when growing mahonia. A strong root system is able to provide the shrub with a sufficient amount of life-giving moisture and nutrients. Experienced gardeners for planting choose a place that is not subject to strong winds and direct ultraviolet rays. The plant likes the sun, but it is preferable to choose partial shade. Not only is it too dry and hard, but also the soil where the water has stagnated adversely affects the bushes.

To avoid trouble, in hot climates, it is recommended to moisten the soil 2 times a month. One mahonia accounts for about 12 liters of water. If this is not possible, you can wipe the dust in the evening and spray the leaves.

Regularly you need to fight weeds, loosen the ground, mulch the base of the trunk, and carry out drainage.

Representatives of the Barberry family grow well in slightly acidic soil, which must be fertilized.

For the nutrient mixture, you will need humus - two parts, purified sand and turf - one part each. fit mineral fertilizers. 100 grams is enough for 1 m2.

At the end of autumn or with the onset of the first frosts, one should not forget about mulching, saturating the soil with humus, and a special shelter for the garden. Dry fallen leaves, branches of spruce trees can serve as the starting material. The protective layer must be at least 5 cm.

Diseases and pests

Infections and insects that infect horticultural crops. And even despite the fact that mahonia is distinguished by its endurance, the bushes are subject to some fungal diseases:

The use of effective preventive measures will help to avoid damage to horticultural crops. Every spring and on the eve of cold weather, the soil is treated with 3% iron sulphate, fed with phosphorus-potassium and nitrogenous fertilizers, sprayed with a 3–5% solution of Bordeaux mixture.

Planting and reproduction

In order not to injure young seedlings or preserve the integrity of adult plants, planting is best done in early spring, before the sap flow begins. A transplant for mahonia at any age is painless, so moving the bush to a new place in the garden will not deliver special trouble. The only condition is the warm season and the absence of upcoming frosts. In autumn, most trees can perceive the procedure as a disease. You should be careful. Let's take a look at how it works proper fit and caring for the mahonia plant:

• prepare a hole. The depth of the hole should be about 50-60 cm, the width should be 3 times the volume of the rhizome; take care of the fertilizer. At the bottom, place a solution from a bucket of humus, garden soil, sand; set the seedling vertically, straighten the roots; cover the lower part of the bush with earth, tamp the soil for stability;
• make sure that the ground level coincides with the previous one. Determine the estimated mark from the remains of the earth on the root collar. You can retreat 2-3 cm below;
• organize drainage in the presence of melted or accumulation of rainwater. Before planting, crushed stone or crushed brick is placed at the bottom of the hole. The layer length is not more than 10 cm. Otherwise, the root may rot;
• after planting, it is necessary to monitor the condition of the plant. It is important to loosen the soil, eliminate compactions and cracks, and after watering, treat the area with humus. If there is a lack of moisture, repeat the manipulations.

Group plantings require compliance with the rules. The distance between the elements of the hedge should be over 1 meter so that the bushes do not interfere with each other. If the trees stand separately, an arbitrary interval is chosen.

We offer four ways to propagate mahonia:

• seeds;
• layering;
• cuttings;
• dividing the bush.

seeds

Each method has its own characteristics. For example, buy seeds in the fall. It is during this period that they can be sown in open ground. The earth should be loosened in advance, dig small holes up to 2 cm deep. If planting is provided for in the spring, the seeds undergo stratification. It lasts 4 months at a temperature of 0-5C. Emerging young seedlings must be protected from bright sunlight. By autumn, the shoots are distributed into separate containers, where they will continue to grow and grow stronger for another year. Garden crops planted on the site are protected from the cold for 2-3 winters in a row. For this, spruce branches, dry branches and leaves are used. The first flowering begins after 4 years.

cuttings

Cutting mahonia is like propagating grapes. Manipulations are made in the spring. For separation, parts of the plant are selected that already have more than 6 buds. Without prior preparation, the cuttings are planted immediately in the soil. Preferably in partial shade. Some gardeners use plastic bottles for the preservation of seedlings.

The main thing is daily watering.

The appearance of new shoots indicates that the bush has taken root, and its root system is fully growing. So you can at home engage in a vegetative method of propagation of mahonia. If the seedling has taken root and shoots, it is planted in open ground. Be sure to watch the soil. If necessary, it should be loosened and watered. On the eve of frost, the bushes are covered with branches, dry leaves, spud. When snow falls, a high snowdrift is swept around the tree to keep warm.

layering

The easiest way to increase garden plantings is to propagate by layering. The division is based on the usual contact of a fixed branch with the ground, which results in the formation of roots. To use this method, you need to prepare the hole in advance, clean the shoot from the leaves and fix it in the soil.

From the moment of formation of an independent root system to the separation of the process, you should wait until spring.

Rising temperatures will encourage growth young tree. The seedling must be carefully cut off from the mother part and transplanted to a permanent place.

By dividing the bush

The method of dividing a mahonia bush is rare in garden practice. To perform a laborious procedure, dig mature tree necessarily before the start of sap flow, the part with young shoots and roots is disconnected, planted and covered with earth. The high probability of damage to a perennial crop makes this method unclaimed.

Application in medicine

Back in 2009, the State Control Department medicines It was decided to assign a registration number to a homeopathic remedy under the trade name substance-tincture Magonia holly. Widely used as a certified premium dietary supplement. The bark and rhizomes of Oregon grapes are rich in tannins, acids, vitamin C, and alkaloids.

Of particular importance is berberine, which has a strong choleretic and antispasmodic effect.

The substance is prescribed for chronic diseases of the duodenum, liver, gastric ulcer, weakens the manifestations of hepatitis and cholecystitis.

From berries rich in manganese, zinc, sodium and copper, traditional medicine prepare decoctions for such disorders of the digestive system as dysbacteriosis, constipation and hemorrhoids. Tinctures are effectively used to combat dermatological problems. Liquid remedies eliminate rashes of various origins, treat psoriasis, beriberi, herpes, eczema. Fruits in North America are added to drinks. The juice gives the wines a ruby ​​red color.

Mahonia has useful tonic and antibacterial properties in the form of medicinal tea, which quickly relieves fatigue, helps against colds and flu.

In addition, regular intake of herbal tincture ensures the recovery of the body after chemotherapy, prevents the development of cancer cells, and enhances bone marrow activity. Tannin in the composition of the decoction is a strong antioxidant, so Oregon grapes are advised to be used to improve lymphatic blood flow, normalize blood circulation, strengthen the walls of blood vessels and prevent thrombosis.

A drink made from dried flowers helps to overcome gout. Prepared from a teaspoon of dry composition and 1.5 cups of boiling water. After the product has cooled, it should be filtered. The finished decoction is divided into three parts and taken orally in the morning, afternoon and evening.

As maintenance therapy for gastrointestinal tract and cardiovascular system brew tea. The crushed roots or bark are poured with a glass of boiling water, brought to a boil in a steam bath. After 15 minutes, cool, filter through a piece of gauze and drink.

Magonia alcohol tincture saves from rheumatism, heals from diseases of the liver, kidneys, restores metabolism.

If you take 10 grams of dry twigs or the root of a shrub, pour 100 grams of vodka and let it brew for a week, after a month you can feel improvements in the body. Daily rate- 5-15 drops.

Contraindications

Not only useful medicinal properties, but also serious contraindications have a plant mahonia holly.

It is strictly forbidden to use shrub-based preparations and homeopathic remedies for pregnant women and women during breastfeeding, people with cholelithiasis, chronic kidney and liver failure.

Individual intolerance to individual components of plant materials and allergic reactions are possible.

Application in landscape design

Connoisseurs of undersized evergreen shrubs mahonia holly is well known. Unusual jagged leaves, elegant yellow inflorescences and dark blue berries create a unique harmony and cozy atmosphere in the garden of a country house or on a personal plot.

We offer options for how mahonia is used in landscape design:

• looks attractive against the background of stone compositions;
• looks spectacular, both alone and in combination with chrysanthemums, geyhers, dicenters, conifers;
• plays the role of a hedge and is located along the perimeter of the lawn;
• decorates the shady part along with ferns, hosts, primroses;
• in the sun peacefully coexists with azaleas, camellias, rhododendrons.

Professional designers know a lot about elegant compositions and original landscapes. With the help of mahonia, it is very easy to make a small fabulous hill or mountainside with a falling waterfall.