Fortune's Barberry
mahonia fortunei
Also known as: ["Fortune's Mahonia","Chinese Holly"]
Overview
An evergreen shrub with holly-like leaves and bright yellow flowers in winter, followed by blue-black berries.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","disease resistant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","shade tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Berberidales |
| Family: | Berberidaceae |
| Genus: | Mahonia |
| Botanical Name: | Mahonia fortunei |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Shrubs
- Suitable Location: partially shaded garden bed or container in a sheltered spot
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"0–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"7–9"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Moderate drainage; avoid waterlogged soil but do not let it dry out completely.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with organic matter; can tolerate slightly acidic to neutral conditions.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old growth if necessary.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Partial shade to full shade; tolerates bright indirect light but prefers protection from intense afternoon sun.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to brighter light if moving from shade; avoid direct sun to prevent leaf scorch; place in dappled light or filtered shade for optimal growth.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
partial shade to full shade
Avoid direct sunlight; provide filtered or dappled light; adjust placement based on season.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, avoid letting the plant sit in water, and adjust frequency based on season and weather.
Soil
well-drained, loamy soil with organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure good drainage, enrich with organic matter, maintain slightly acidic to neutral pH, avoid compacted soil.
Temperature
Prefers mild temperatures, ideally 60–75°F (15–24°C); can tolerate cooler temperatures but avoid prolonged exposure below 50°F (10°C).
Protect from frost, provide shade in summer, maintain moderate temperatures, adjust care based on seasonal changes.
Fertilizing
monthly during spring and summer, every 2 months in fall and winter
Fertilize in spring before new growth, use balanced fertilizer, reduce frequency in fall and winter.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division; stem cuttings are more common for home growers.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings, remove lower leaves, dip in rooting hormone, plant in medium, maintain humidity, and keep warm.
Best Time: Late spring to early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
High humidity (70–90%), indirect light, and consistent warmth (65–75°F or 18–24°C).
Medium
Peat-based potting mix with added perlite or sand for drainage.
Hormone
Recommended to use rooting hormone to improve success rates.
Timeline
Roots may develop in 4–8 weeks; establishment can take several months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, peat-based mix, plastic wrap or propagator.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain humidity with plastic wrap; keep out of direct sun.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Selective pruning of older stems at the base; thin out crowded areas to improve air circulation.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, remove dead or overgrown stems, and encourage bushier growth.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers (for thicker stems), gloves, disinfectant for tools.
Checklist
Disinfect tools, prune before new growth, remove dead/damaged stems, shape the plant, clean up debris.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth starts.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 1–2 inches in diameter; ensure good drainage with a hole at the bottom.
Method
Remove plant gently, trim any circling roots, place in a slightly larger pot with fresh soil, water lightly, and avoid direct sun for a few days.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound; beneficial for maintaining vigor.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot, prepare fresh soil mix, trim roots if needed, water lightly, place in shade temporarily.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture, water thoroughly, ensure drainage, adjust for season, avoid wetting foliage.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water deeply at the root zone, ensuring even moisture distribution without saturating the soil; water in the morning to allow foliage to dry during the day.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water regularly during spring and summer, allowing the top inch of soil to dry between waterings; reduce frequency in fall and winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure to improve fertility and structure; mix in perlite or sand for better drainage if needed.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf yellowing or browning, stunted growth, bud drop, or wilting in extreme heat or cold.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures can slow growth, cause leaf discoloration, or lead to frost damage if exposed to freezing conditions.
Solution: Protect from frost with a frost cloth or move to a sheltered location; ensure good air circulation to prevent mold in cool conditions.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can cause leaf scorch, wilting, or reduced flowering if the plant is not adequately watered or shaded.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat, increase watering frequency, and ensure good air circulation to mitigate heat stress.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Choose balanced fertilizer, apply in spring, dilute if liquid, avoid winter feeding, follow package instructions.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; dilute liquid fertilizer to half-strength if applied monthly during growing season; avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats that consume the berries may experience mild gastrointestinal symptoms. The toxicity is not severe but can cause discomfort and distress.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicIngestion of the berries by dogs can lead to mild gastrointestinal upset. The toxic compounds are not considered highly dangerous but can cause discomfort.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicThe berries of Mahonia fortunei contain compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress when ingested in significant quantities. The physiological impact is primarily localized to the digestive system, with no systemic toxicity reported.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Mahonia fortunei toxic to pets?
A: Yes, it is mildly toxic to dogs and cats if ingested.
Q: Does Mahonia fortunei require full sun?
A: It can tolerate partial shade and is suitable for shaded areas.
Q: When does Mahonia fortunei flower?
A: It typically flowers in late winter to early spring, producing bright yellow blooms.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Berberidaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | partial shade to full shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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