Tim Matcham Garden Design

Some plants get a reputation that is not fully deserved and perhaps Mahonia is one such plant. A member of the berberis family it has a number of redeeming features that make it welcome in the garden. It is of course popular in municipal planting schemes which may detract from its value a little, but lets look at why you should consider using this wonderful plant.

• The scent of this plant is amazing – one day when we have scratch and sniff monitors I’ll be able to convey that to you!

• If you are looking to add an element of sustainability to your garden, look no further. The plant is also known as the Oregon grape and produces clusters of dark fruits, much loved by wildlife.

• Great for autumn and winter interest as it is in flower from October through the winter.

• Attracts bees and other beneficial insects

• Popular varieties include Mahonia x media ‘Charity’ and there is a smaller low growing variety called Mahonia aquifolium ‘Apollo’.

They can grow quite large but they respond well to cutting back if they get too leggy. They are straight forward to grow and are tolerant of most conditions, even shade – so take a closer look at this plant and that amazing scent and perhaps include it in your garden.

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