Buckland Mahonia Mahonia × media 'Buckland'

Water

The Oregon grape, or Mahonia × media 'Buckland', prefers consistently moist soil but does not fare well with water-logging. Water the plant deeply once a week, ensuring that the soil around the roots receives about 1-2 gallons, depending on the size and maturity of the plant. During the hotter and drier months, you may need to water twice a week. Reduce watering in the winter when the plant is dormant. It's crucial to avoid letting the plant dry out completely but also to prevent overwatering that could lead to root rot.

Light

The Oregon grape thrives best in partial shade, making it ideal for a spot that receives filtered sunlight or light dappled shade. A location beneath tall trees or on the north or east side of a building is optimal, as it would protect the plant from the intense afternoon sun. It can tolerate full sun in cooler climates but must be sheltered from the harsh sun in warmer regions.

Temperature

The Oregon grape is a hardy plant that can withstand a wide range of temperatures, from as low as 0°F to about 90°F. However, the ideal temperature range for promoting optimal growth is between 60°F and 75°F. Prolonged exposure to temperatures below the minimum can cause damage, so provide protection during extreme cold.

Pruning

Prune the Oregon grape to maintain its shape, remove dead or diseased wood, and to encourage new growth. The best time to prune is late winter or early spring before the new growth starts. An annual pruning, by thinning out crowded branches and cutting back overgrown ones, will ensure the plant remains healthy and attractive.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The Oregon Grape 'Buckland' thrives in well-draining, fertile soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH level, around 5.5 to 7.0. A soil mix with peat, compost, and a portion of perlite or sand to improve drainage will be most beneficial for this evergreen shrub's growth.

Repotting

The Oregon Grape 'Buckland' should ideally be repotted every 3-5 years or when it outgrows its current container. It's best to repot in spring just before the growth season begins, using fresh potting soil that matches the required conditions.

Humidity & Misting

Oregon Grape 'Buckland' prefers moderate humidity levels but is quite adaptable to different ambient conditions. To ensure optimal growth, aim to maintain a relative humidity level of around 40-60%.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Keep Oregon Grape 'Buckland' in bright, indirect light with cool temperatures.

• Outdoor

  Plant Oregon Grape 'Buckland' in partial shade with shelter from strong winds.

• Hardiness zone

  7-9 USDA

Life cycle

The life of Mahonia × media 'Buckland', commonly known as Buckland's Mahonia, begins with germination, where the seedlings develop a root system and shoots that emerge from the soil. Following germination, the seedlings grow into juvenile plants, characterized by increased leaf production and the development of a sturdy stem structure. As it matures, Buckland's Mahonia enters the vegetative stage, where it continues to grow and produce the compound, pinnate leaves characteristic of the genus Mahonia. The adult stage is marked by the onset of the flowering period, typically during late autumn to early winter, with bright yellow, fragrant flowers arranged in dense racemes. After pollination, these flowers develop into dark blue-purple berries which, when ripe, may be dispersed by birds or other animals, allowing the cycle to begin anew with seed germination. Throughout its life, Buckland's Mahonia may also spread vegetatively through underground rhizomes, thereby expanding its presence in the garden or landscape without seeding.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Early spring

• The most popular method of propagation for Mahonia × media 'Buckland', commonly known as Buckland Mahonia or Grape Holly, is through softwood cuttings. This is typically done during late spring or early summer when the plant's new growth is just hardening but still flexible. Cuttings should be made from healthy, non-flowering shoots, ideally about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) long. The cut end is often dipped in a rooting hormone to encourage root development and then planted in a mix of sand and peat or a well-draining potting mix. The cuttings need to be kept in a warm, humid environment with indirect sunlight to ensure successful rooting, which usually takes several weeks. Once rooted, the young plants are gradually acclimatized to less humid conditions before being planted out in the garden.