Our back garden, I would not describe it as one of those which look beautiful all year round, in fact it is very much a summer garden. I am keen to make some changes, but always afraid that I will do something which may spoil the outstanding summer garden which we have.
One cheery evergreen which is helping to brighten up the garden and producing flower buds at the moment is Mahonia Charity. Mahonias are grown for their fragrant winter flowers and attractive foliage ‘Charity’ has an upright habit with long leaves consisting of 17 to 21 dark green leaflets. Stalks of bright yellow, fragrant flowers are produced at the ends of branches from late autumn to late winter.
This one can grow to an eventual height of 400cm, however they can look a bit straggly. It is best if you prune back immediately after flowering. Mahonias are not fussy regarding soil, and will grow well in sun or partial shade, even tolerating full shade.
Mahonia Charity
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