What soil does Winter mahonia grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil, acidic, clay, sandy.

Is Winter mahonia hardy?

Hardy down to -18 °C (USDA zone 6, RHS H6). In the colder parts of the country (Banská Bystrica Region, Prešov Region, Žilina Region) it may not survive winter without protection.

Is Winter mahonia toxic to children?

Yes, it is mildly toxic to children.

How far from the house should Winter mahonia be planted?

Plant it at least 1.5 m from buildings. Keep it at least 0.5 m from paving.

When does Winter mahonia flower?

Flowering: November–March, yellow.

How much water does Winter mahonia need?

Water need: medium. Drought tolerance: medium.

Winter mahonia

Mahonia × media

Winter mahonia (Mahonia × media) is a shrub. Light: part shade, shade. Hardy down to -18 °C. Drought tolerance: medium. Mildly toxic to children.

Illustration of Winter mahonia — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

A sculptural, upright evergreen with long, fern-like spiny leaves that carries sprays of fragrant yellow flowers from late autumn to the end of winter, when little else is in bloom. It suits part shade or shade under trees or beside a sheltered wall, in humus-rich soil that stays moist in summer but drains well. It is sold as 'Winter Sun', 'Charity' and 'Lionel Fortescue'; it gets leggy with age, and you can cut the long canes back hard after flowering. Keep it away from paths and play areas because of the prickly foliage.

Watch out for

Hardiness is borderline in Central Europe. The flower buds stand about -18 °C; in colder, prolonged frost the upper leaves scorch, the stem tips die back and the winter flowering is lost or interrupted, although the plant usually reshoots from lower down. Winter sun and drying wind brown the leaves, so plant it in a wind-sheltered spot that is shaded in winter, mulch the soil and protect young plants in hard frost. It is shallow-rooted and sensitive to drying out in late summer when the buds form, yet it dies in cold, waterlogged soil. It copes poorly with strong direct sun.

Key facts

Light: Part shade, Shade
Water need: Medium
Care: Low
Size after 10 years: 2 m × 1.5 m
Hardiness: down to -18 °C
Foliage: Evergreen
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D November–March, yellow

Group	Shrub
Light	Part shade, Shade
Size after 10 years	2 m × 1.5 m
Ultimate size	1.5–4 m × 1–3 m
Hardiness	down to -18 °C (USDA 6, RHS H6)
Soil	Average garden soil, Acidic, Clay, Sandy
Foliage	Evergreen
Flowering	November–March, yellow
Harvest	May–June
Water need	Medium
Drought tolerance	Medium
Maintenance	Low
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	no
Spreading	Low
Distance from buildings	at least 1.5 m
Distance from paving	at least 0.5 m
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	200 cm
For dogs	no data
For cats	no data
For children	Mildly toxic
Typical price	no data

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 13, 2026 · How our data is made

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