Plant Detectives Charity Hybrid Mahonia
Best evergreen for gardeners seeking year round beauty with minimal upkeep.
This evergreen shrub offers striking architectural foliage and a rare winter bloom, providing color when the garden is otherwise dormant. It grows tall and upright, making it suitable as a living screen or a backdrop for shade-loving plants. Its yellow flowers appear from late fall through winter, followed by blue-black berries that extend its ornamental appeal.
$164.99
Who it's for
- Gardeners seeking vibrant color and fragrance during the bleak winter season
- Busy homeowners desiring a striking, low-maintenance plant for their landscape
- Nature enthusiasts wanting to support local wildlife with a beautiful garden addition
Who should skip it
- Gardeners with limited space or those preferring compact, contained plantings
- Families with small children or pets, and those with high-traffic garden paths
- Gardeners preferring soft, informal designs over bold, architectural statements
Performance breakdown
Winter Interest
Rare seasonal blooms provide vibrant color when most gardens are dormant.
Architectural Impact
Bold, spiny foliage creates a striking structural focal point year-round.
Maintenance Ease
Reliable, low-fuss growth habit requires minimal intervention once established.
Wildlife Appeal
Ornamental berries effectively draw birds into the landscape during colder months.
Screening Capability
Tall, upright growth makes it an ideal natural privacy barrier.
Deer Resistance
Spiny leaves generally deter browsing, though not entirely foolproof.
Key Specs
Botanical Name
Mahonia x media 'Charity'
Common Name
Charity Hybrid Mahonia
Mature Height
15.0 feet
Mature Spread
12.0 feet
Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Shade
Soil Type
Humus-rich, Well-drained
Water Requirement
Moderate
USDA Hardiness Zones
Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9
Plant Form
Upright
Bloom Season
Fall, Winter
Know before you buy
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