An evergreen and winter-flowering shrub that should not be missing from your store’s assortment during this season is the Mahonia. A commonly found color is yellow, and there are various varieties in this color, such as ‘Soft Caress’, ‘Charity’, and ‘Winter Sun’. However, there are also Mahonias with reddish flowers, like the variety ‘Cabaret’, or orange-tinted flowers, such as the variety ‘Volcano’.
The variety your customers choose will depend on the flower color but also on the growth habit, which differs per variety. For instance, the varieties ‘Volcano’ and ‘Soft Caress’ are more compact in growth and therefore better suited for smaller borders or planting in patio pots. On the other hand, varieties such as ‘Charity’ and ‘Winter Sun’ are more robust growers, making them suitable for larger borders.
This hardy shrub is recognizable by its glossy green leaves with spiky edges and its blooming period during the winter months. If customers in your store ask for advice on the best location to plant it, you can recommend a spot in full sun or partial shade, preferably not in full sun all day. Since the Mahonia doesn’t thrive in very cold winds, a somewhat sheltered location is ideal.
The Mahonia requires minimal maintenance; pruning is optional and not needed annually. If pruning is chosen, advise doing it carefully and preferably after flowering. In the period following the bloom, bluish berries appear on this shrub, a feature that attracts birds. If you’re curious about the diversity within the Mahonia assortment, take a look at the collection of the nursery Dool Botanics in Boskoop.
