What: Mahonia x media “Arthur Menzies,” is a steller specimen for the winter garden. “Arthur Menzies” has dramatic, frond-like leaves that grow in whorls along its coarsely branched stems. Great sprays of gold flowers appear in winter, developing into grape-like clusters of wax-coated black berries by late summer and autumn. Beautiful foliage and upright growth habit make this hybrid mahonia a strong focal point in the garden. “Arthur Menzies” originated at Seattle’s Washington Park Arboretum.
Where: It will grow well in full sun to dappled shade. It prefers a well-drained soil, but will tolerate sandy sites and clay.
Size: The vase-shaped shrub will grow to be 8 feet tall and 5 feet wide when mature.
Care: This hybrid mahonia is tough. Once established it is drought tolerant, although plants in full sun can yellow if kept excessively dry. Occasional watering during dry weather will help plants in sun to maintain a rich green foliage color. Prune the tips in early spring, while the plant in young to make a fuller, bushier specimen. Older plants need little pruning other than the removal of dead or broken limbs.
— Richie Steffen, Great Plant Pick
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