It’s no secret that thujas are plants for hedges that have completely dominated Polish gardens years ago. On many properties you can also find yews, box trees, barberries or hollies.
However, there is another, less popular species that is worth having in the garden. It is a common mahonia – a shrub that is perfect as a wall protecting the property. It looks great and protects against the malicious eyes of neighbors.
Common mahonia is not popular in Poland, even though it is one of the most beautiful plants for hedges.. The bush grows 1.5 meters high. It has dark green, shiny leaves which, due to the frost resistance of the species, remain on the branches even in December or January and often turn red.
However, this is nothing compared to its wonderful yellow flowers that bloom in summer. At the end of the year, in the autumn and winter, the mahonia delights with the beauty of its edible dark blue fruits resembling berries.
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Common mahonia has moderate cultivation requirements. It is a virtually maintenance-free species that does not often get sick, and pests tend to stay away from it.
It prefers light, permeable soil, preferably fertile, and feels best growing in a shaded or semi-shaded position.although it is not necessary for it to grow healthily.
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When it comes to caring for common mahogany, the bush does not need to be trimmed, which gives it an advantage, for example over the popular thuja. However, you can shape it and perform sanitary pruning from time to time, removing damaged shoots.
The bush requires moderate watering every 3-4 days in summer (it can be stopped in autumn and winter). You do not need to protect adult specimens for the winter, but you can support young seedlings by mulching the soil and fertilizing them in autumn.
