Mahonia aquifolium 'Atropurpurea' japonicum or sometimes, but less often, M. x media ‘Charity’. Why these choices? Because these Mahonias seemed able to survive any conditions thrown at them, with virtually no care and attention! Planted inappropriately, they struggled along in hostile concrete planters, between walls, on roadsides always challenged and uncared for, with the result that their image was of a ragged, ugly, unkempt plant with little merit and certainly minimum “garden” appeal.!
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Mahonia gracillipes
Fortunately, in 2009, the great plantsman, Roy Lancaster discussed Chinese Mahonia that had been introduced to cultivation in the preceding two decades. Further studies resulted in an informative article by Julian Shaw (Senior Registrar in the RHS Botany Department) in the RHS publication ‘The Plantsman’ in 2011(i) in which new taxa are described and cultivar names validated: subsequently in The Garden (RHS) in 2012 (ii) Roy Lancaster himself writes about this fantastic genus. It is my earnest hope that this will stimulate a revival in the interest in and use of Mahonia in gardens everywhere. Let us make Mahonia the most wanted item from the plant fashion runway in 2014!!
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References:! A Study of the Genus Mahonia; Kate G Freeth; March 1989; (unpublished student work)!
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(i)! (ii)!
Developments in Mahonia; Julian Shaw; The Plantsman March 2011; RHS Publications/ Journals! Mighty mahonias; Roy Lancaster VMH; The Garden December 2013; RHS Media!
! Note: RHS – Royal Horticultural Society! !
Assistance with photographs of M. russellii and M. napaulensis by Mr John D Bond, Curator, Savill Gardens, Windsor!
Mahonia napaulensis
Katie Freeth