Oregon grape Mahonia × media 'Lionel Fortescue'
ABOUT
The plant known as Mahonia × media 'Lionel Fortescue' is a striking evergreen shrub that is admired for its elegant and architectural form. It is characterized by its long, spiky foliage which adds texture to gardens throughout the year. The leaves are compound, which means they are comprised of several leaflets arranged on either side of a central stem, resembling the fronds of a fern. These leaflets are typically dark green and glossy, with sharp, spiny teeth along the edges, giving the plant a holly-like appearance. During the colder months, 'Lionel Fortescue' becomes even more remarkable with the emergence of its flower spikes. These are showy clusters of bright yellow, fragrant blooms that stand out against the dark foliage, attracting attention as well as pollinators such as bees. After flowering, the plant may produce clusters of dark, berry-like fruits which are often blue or purple dusted with a waxy bloom; these can provide a valuable food source for birds and wildlife. Overall, the Mahonia × media 'Lionel Fortescue' presents a bold and attractive presence in the garden, with its juxtaposition of sharp foliage and bright, sweet-scented flowers creating a focal point throughout the cooler months.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Oregon Grape, Grape Holly
Common names
Mahonia × media 'Lionel Fortescue'.
ToxicityTo humans
Oregon grape is considered to have a low level of toxicity to humans. However, if ingested in large quantities, parts of the plant, especially the berries, could potentially cause mild symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. The risks associated with the consumption of Oregon grape are not typically severe, but it is still advisable to avoid eating this plant.
To pets
Oregon grape may also have a low level of toxicity to pets. If pets ingest parts of the plant, they could experience gastrointestinal upset, including symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea. While the plant is not commonly associated with serious poisoning in pets, it is still best to prevent them from consuming it to avoid any potential discomfort.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Varies
Flower color
Yellow
Height
10 feet (3 meters)
Spread
6 feet (1.8 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
7
Native area
Hybrids
Benefits
General Benefits- Year-Round Interest - Mahonia × media 'Lionel Fortescue' has evergreen foliage that provides visual interest throughout the year.
- Winter Flowers - It blooms in late autumn to winter when few other plants flower, offering bright yellow blooms in the coldest months.
- Attracts Wildlife - The flowers provide nectar for bees and the subsequent berries are a food source for birds.
- Low Maintenance - This plant is relatively easy to care for, requiring minimal pruning and being generally pest and disease resistant.
- Drought Tolerance - Once established, Mahonia × media 'Lionel Fortescue' is tolerant of dry conditions, requiring less frequent watering.
- Shade Tolerance - It can grow in shaded areas where other plants might struggle, making it a versatile choice for gardeners with less sunny spaces.
- Architectural Structure - Its holly-like leaves and upright habit can add architectural interest to garden designs and landscapes.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Mahonia × media 'Lionel Fortescue' can be used for creating natural garden borders due to its dense and spiny foliage, which deters animals and unwanted foot traffic.
- The plant's wood is sometimes carved into small decorative objects, as it can develop a visually appealing inner grain once polished.
- Mahonia's dense clusters of berries can be used as a natural dye for fabrics and yarn, giving a soft yellow or green hue depending on the mordant used.
- The flowers provide an early source of nectar and pollen for bees and other pollinators when few other plants are in bloom.
- Some cultures use the branches of Mahonia in traditional roof thatching techniques, as its rigidity provides a sturdy structure.
- The plant's berries can be fermented to make a homemade wine with a unique, tart flavor.
- The leaves have been historically used to brew an herbal tea in some parts of the world, though this is not a widespread practice.
- Photographers and painters can use the striking appearance of the flowers and foliage as subject matter in their work, capturing the plant's beauty during different seasons.
- The spiny leaves may be used in small-scale livestock enclosures, deterring animals like goats from breaking through fences.
- During the holiday season, the plant can be incorporated into wreaths and other decorations, as its foliage and bright berries provide a festive touch.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Mahonia is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Mahonia is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Strength - The rigid and upright growth of Mahonia x media 'Lionel Fortescue', combined with its sharply-toothed leaves, gives it an association with resilience and strength.
- Protection - The spiky foliage can symbolize protection, suggesting its ability to safeguard and deter negative forces, much like it physically protects itself from garden predators.
- Endurance - This plant flowers in late autumn or winter, symbolizing endurance and the ability to thrive despite challenging conditions.
- Beauty - With its bright yellow flowers that contrast with dark green leaves, this mahonia represents beauty, reminding us that attractiveness can be found in all seasons.
WaterThe Oregon grape, or Mahonia x media 'Lionel Fortescue', prefers moist soil, particularly during the growing season. It should be watered deeply, allowing the water to reach the roots, once a week if there has been no significant rainfall. Adjustments may be needed based on local weather conditions, with less frequent watering necessary during cooler, wetter periods and more frequent watering during hot, dry spells. A general guideline would be to provide about 1 gallon of water per week for an established plant, being sure to avoid waterlogging the soil.
LightFor the Oregon grape, the best light conditions would consist of partial shade to full sun. This plant can tolerate a variety of lighting conditions but thrives in spots that receive dappled sunlight or morning sun followed by afternoon shade. Avoid placing it in deep full shade, as this can lead to less vigorous growth and fewer blooms.
TemperatureOregon grape plants, such as Mahonia x media 'Lionel Fortescue', are hardy in a range of temperatures and can survive in temperatures as low as 0°F and as high as around 95°F. They perform best in moderate climates and the ideal temperature range for optimal growth is between 50°F to 70°F. They are quite tolerant of temperature fluctuations within this range.
PruningPruning the Oregon grape should be done to maintain its shape, remove any dead or diseased wood, and encourage new growth. It's best to prune in late winter or early spring before new growth starts, typically once a year. During pruning, cut back any overgrown or wayward branches, and thin out dense areas to improve air circulation.
CleaningAs needed
SoilOregon Grape 'Lionel Fortescue' thrives in well-draining, fertile soil rich in organic matter with a pH between 5.5 and 7.5. A mix using equal parts garden soil, peat moss, and perlite or sand is ideal to provide proper drainage and aeration.
RepottingOregon Grape 'Lionel Fortescue' should be repotted every 2-3 years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth, preferably during late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
Humidity & MistingOregon Grape 'Lionel Fortescue' prefers moderate humidity levels but is tolerant of lower humidity, making it suitable for most homes without the need for additional humidity control measures.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light, slight moisture, cool winters.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade, shelter from harsh sun, mulch roots.
Hardiness zone
7-9 USDA
Life cycleMahonia × media 'Lionel Fortescue', also known as Oregon grape, begins its life cycle when seeds germinate, usually in spring, after they have gone through stratification, a process of cold treatment to break dormancy. The seedlings establish themselves and grow into juvenile plants, developing compound leaves with spiny leaflets and a woody stem. As they mature, the mahonia enters the vegetative stage, where it focuses on growth and building a robust root system. After several years, once mature enough, the plant enters the reproductive phase, which typically occurs in late autumn to winter; it produces fragrant yellow flowers in dense racemes, which are pollinated by insects. Following pollination, the flowers develop into blue-black berries by late summer or early fall, which are then dispersed by birds or gravity. The plant then continues its cycle, potentially producing new plants from the seeds within the berries, while the parent plant can live for many years, continuing to grow and reproduce annually.
PropogationPropogation time
Early Spring
Propogation: The Mahonia × media 'Lionel Fortescue', commonly known as the Grape Holly, is typically propagated by semi-hardwood cuttings. This is best done in late summer to early autumn. During this period, the current season's growth has begun to harden or mature, yet it is still flexible enough to root effectively. To propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings, a gardener would select healthy, disease-free shoots and cut them into lengths of about 4 to 6 inches (approximately 10 to 15 cm). Each cutting should have at least two sets of leaves at the top and be trimmed just below a node, the point on the stem where leaves emerge. The lower leaves are then removed, and the cut end of the stem is often treated with a rooting hormone to encourage root development. Finally, the cuttings are inserted into a moist, sterile propagation medium, such as a mix of peat and perlite, and kept under conditions of high humidity and indirect light until roots have formed, which can take several weeks to a few months.
