This native shrub with yellow flowers is perfect for a shade garden.
Grape hollies provide many different colors throughout the growing season.
The flowers of grape holly bloom around April and are a spectacular bright yellow color with a pleasant fragrance.
The flowers are followed by edible blue-black berries in the early fall.
These berry clusters resemble small clusters of grapes, hence this plant’s common name.
If you want the berries, plant two or more shrubs.
The tart berries can be used to make jams, jellies, and preserves.
The shrub can be planted as a single colorful accent plant or in small groups inshrub bordersand foundation plantings.
Grape holly is also useful as a privacy screen or native fence.
Be certain to check with local authorities to verify whether grape holly is a problem plant in your area.
Dig a hole at least twice the size of the root ball and just as deep.
Place the shrub in the hole and gently spread out the roots.
Backfill with the original soil so that the top of the root ball is flush with the soil.
Tamp down the soil and water it well.
Water it deeply and regularly during the first growing season.
To grow it as a specimen, give it more space.
For a hedge or groundcover, plant them closer together, about 3 to 4 feet apart.
Grape Holly Care Tips
Other than containing its spread, Oregon grape holly is a low-maintenance shrub.
If it is getting too much sun, the leaves may scorch.
It does poorly in highly alkaline soils and will become chlorotic in high pH.
Water the plant deeply and regularly in the first growing season.
Afterward, you’re able to cut down on the watering.
Oregon grape holly tolerates dry shade.
The plant does not have any special humidity requirements.
Pruning should be done in early summeronce the shrub has finished blooming.
Suckers at the base of the plant can be removed at any time.
Keep in mind that potted plants need more frequent watering and fertilization than garden plants.
As a protective measure, winterize the pots by sinking the container into the ground.
Pests and Problems
Oregon grape holly is susceptible to various fungal diseases including leaf spots and rust.
Too much sunlight and strong winds can cause leaf scorch.
Pests like whiteflies,aphids, or scale can be treated with insecticidal soap.
Using suckers is the easiest way to propagate the shrub.
Locate the suckers which are usually at the lower part of the stem or near the roots.
Plant the sucker in a pot filled with potting mix.
Place the pot in a location out of direct sunlight and keep the soil evenly moist.
Transplant it in the landscape after it has developed a good amount of new foliage.
It reaches only 2 to 3 feet in height and 3 to 4 feet in width.
Creeping Oregon Grape
Mahonia repensis an evergreen groundcover with leathery, spiny green leaves.
It grows 1 to 2 feet tall and spreads 3 to 4 feet.
Creeping Oregon grape works well for erosion control on slopes.
The shrub grows 2 to 4 feet tall and 3 to 5 feet wide.
It is a tough, adaptable, medium-sized fern with a bold texture.
It is strong, easy to grow, and requires little maintenance.
It grows 2 to 6 feet tall and 4 to 6 feet tall and has fragrant spring flowers.
Its blazing fall foliage often persists well into winter.
The smaller variety of this shrub,Fothergilla gardenia,grows only 3 to 5 feet tall.
Zone 4-8
Frequently Asked Questions
These are two different names for the same plant.
