Mahonia jap. 'Hivernant'

Mahonia japonica "Hivernant", also called grape bush or mahogany bush, is a medium-sized, evergreen shrub with pinnate leaves, the leaflets of which are leathery, dark green and prickly. From January to March, it blooms with hanging racemes of fragrant, lemon-yellow flowers. Later in spring, followed by blue-black, edible berries. This grape shrub requires little pruning, does not like full afternoon sun, prefers a slightly acidic to neutral pH soil, which is well-drained and sufficiently fertile. The plant is hardy, fairly drought tolerant, sea wind resistant and can also handle some air pollution. It attracts insects and bees and has a beautiful orange-red autumn colour.