Other common names for Oregon grape are mountain grape, holly-leaved barberry, Oregonholly grape, and Oregon grape holly. They have leathery, compound leaves consisting of 5-9 Holly-like leaflets on each side that emerge with a nice reddish-bronze color in spring, before turning to dark green. Pruning may be needed to remove dead branches, encourage bushier growth, promote more flowers, or maintain a specific size or shape. Why Oregon Grape Holly Shrubs? Control height and form by pruning; if woody stems jut out, cut them down to ground (new growth fills in quickly). Dead branches should be removed close to the trunk, flush with the bark. Pruning Oregon grapeholly. July 6, 2010 • I’m wondering when is the best time to prune my Oregon grapeholly? Oregon grape is native to western North America and is the state flower of Oregon. When pruning to control a plant's size or shape, cuts should be made just above a leaf bud and at a slight angle. Mahonia aquifolium, Oregon grape holly, is a native American relative of leatherleaf. If plant exceeds height and width requirements the older taller stems can be removed at the base of the plant. Lightly fragrant, they attract pollinators before giving way to clusters of dark blue-purple, edible berries in late summer. Oregon grape is best left unpruned, but should be pruned to remove any dead, damaged, or deseased growth. Much like many hollies, the leaves of this plant are pointed and sharp making it a good hedge or background plant. Adding color and splendor to the shade garden, Mahonia aquifolium (Oregon Grape Holly) is a striking evergreen shrub with multi-season interest. Oregon grape (Mahonia aquifolium) grows wild in several areas of North America. It is an evergreen shrub growing 1 m (3 ft) to 3 m (10 ft) tall by 1.5 m (5 ft) wide, with pinnate leaves consisting of spiny leaflets, and dense clusters of yellow flowers in early spring, followed by dark bluish-black berries. Why not read Winter Blooming Shrubs: The Short List by Jacqueline Cross for ornamental alternatives to leatherleaf? From mass plantings in your flower beds to colorful screens along your driveway, the Oregon Grape Holly Shrub serves as a one-of-a-kind evergreen shrub that does it all. When poorly managed or growing wild, the Oregon grape can grow spindly or spread wide, preventing the growth of more desirable plants. Pruning of stems and leaves can be done to acquire a desired shape. Use in masses as foundation planting, in woodland garden, as low screen or garden barrier. And year-round visual interest is a guarantee. Mahonia aquifolium The Oregon Grape, or Holly Grape, as they are also called, are evergreen shrubs that are native to the Pacific Northwet. In spring, racemes of cheerful, bright golden-yellow flowers appear just above the leaves. For the best look, take your time while pruning. The Oregon Grape Holly, or Mahonia aquifolium, comes in dwarf and full sized cultivars, and outshines many more common types of hollies with it’s blooms and fruit. Instead, prune Oregon Grape Holly for size control by carefully trimming the longest canes back to a leaflet pair growing below the surface of the canopy. Oregon grape holly can take any exposure, though it does best with some shade in the Lower South and wind protection in the Upper South. It is a standard-size Mahonia, not a compact variety. Pruning Instructions. The Latin name for this plant species is Mahonia aquifolium there are 6 species of Oregon grape that belong to the Berberidaceae family. Mahonia aquifolium, the Oregon grape, is a species of flowering plant in the family Berberidaceae, native to western North America. The Garden In Win ter by Larry Rettig suggests many other ideas for winter interest. ... 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