Light Needs
Mature Height
Mature Spread
Growing Zones
The Winter Sun Oregon Grape or Mahonia x media is a lovely flowering shrub that blooms early and provides interest throughout all four seasons. Bold, bell-shaped yellow flowers stand out against the pointed foliage. The blooms are on display from mid to late March and have a pleasing fragrance. New growth has a bronzy hue before transitioning to a glossy green, adding to the visual interest of this evergreen. Dark blue berries ripen by fall, giving this plant another season of interest.
Use this shrub in a mixed bed or container. The flowers draw pollinators, including butterflies and hummingbirds, while the berries bring birds around during the fall. The Winter Sun Oregon Grape is deer resistant, which is particularly helpful since it blooms early in the spring when there are few food sources around. Grow this shrub in zones 6 through 9.
Winter Sun Oregon Grape Care
This Winter Sun Oregon Grape requires partial sun and moist, well-drained soil. Water every other week as necessary, although plants in warm climates may need water more often during summer. Do not water during the winter, as natural precipitation is normally sufficient. Fertilize in late fall or early spring using a balanced plant food.
Pruning is not always necessary, but shape the plant as needed in the spring, after the flowers drop. Trimming the plant will encourage full and bushy growth. Plant it in a protected area that will shield this shrub from gusty winds. Young plants may benefit from support during the winter until they are established.
Winter Sun Oregon Grape Spacing
The Winter Sun Oregon Grape grows 4 to 6 feet tall and wide. Plant shrubs 4 feet apart when designing a flowering hedge.
Winter Sun Oregon Grape Plant Facts
Growing Conditions
- Hardiness ZonesGrowing Zones
- USDA Zones 6 to 9 (perennial); grown as an annual elsewhere (outdoors year-round); grown indoors elsewhere (outdoors year-round); grown in containers elsewhere (grown as a seasonal crop)
- Sun Exposure
- Part Shade to Part Sun (3-6 Hours Direct Sun)
- Mature Height
- 4-6 Feet
- Mature Spread
- 4-6 Feet
- Growth Habit
- , Mounded
- Water Needs
- Average
Flowers & Foliage
- Flower Colors
- , Yellow
- Flower Description
- Yellow
- Bloom Time
- Late Fall to Winter
- Blooms On
-
Old Wood
?
"Blooms on" tells you which stems produce flowers, which decides when it's safe to prune.
- New Wood: Flowers form on stems that grow this season. Prune in late winter or early spring without losing blooms.
- Old Wood: Flower buds form on last year's stems. Prune right after flowering. Pruning in fall or early spring removes next year's blooms.
- Both New and Old Wood: Blooms on last year's stems and again on new growth, so it flowers even after a hard winter or a mistimed pruning. Prune lightly after the first flush of blooms.
- When to Prune
- Right after flowering
- Foliage Color
- , Green
- Foliage Description
- Bronze, Dark green
- Foliage Type
- , Evergreen
- Seasonal Interest
- , Spring Flowering, Winter Interest
Garden Benefits
Plant Overview
- Common Name
- Winter Sun Oregon Grape
- Also Known As
- Winter Sun Oregon Grape
- Botanical Name
- Mahonia x media 'Winter Sun'
- Plant Type
- Shrub
Simple Plant Spacing Calculator
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.
Also Known As:
Quart
Plant Age:
~ 6 months - 1 year
Plant Size:
~ 4"-8"
Pot Size:
~ 4.75"H x 4.5"W
Volume:
1.50 quarts
Also Known As:
2.5 Quart Pot
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 8"-12"
Pot Size:
~ 6.5"H x 6.5"W
Volume:
2.20-2.30 quarts
Also Known As:
#1 Container
1 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 10"-14"
Pot Size:
~ 7"H x 7.75"W
Volume:
2.26-3.73 quarts
Also Known As:
#2 Container
2 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1.5 - 3 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-18"
Pot Size:
~ 9.5"H x 9.5"W
Volume:
1.19-1.76 gallons
Also Known As:
#3 Container
3 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 2 - 4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-30"
Pot Size:
~9.5"H x 11"W
Volume:
2.32-2.76 gallons
Also Known As:
#5 Container
5 Gallon
Plant Age:
~3-4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 20" - 60"
Pot Size:
~11" H x 10 1/2” W
Volume:
3.5 - 4 gallons
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