Compact Oregon Grape Holly (Mahonia aquifolium 'Compacta')

1/2

Compact Oregon Grape Holly

Mahonia aquifolium

A compact, shade-loving native shrub with holly-like foliage, fragrant yellow spring blooms, and edible blue-black berries for jams and birds.

$119.00

Quality Guarantee

Free Delivery Over $199

+1 650-241-8858 (SMS ok)

Local Plant Delivery

Delivered by our local network

Current Nursery Inventory

Availability reflects current sourcing

Living Plants

Size, shape and branching naturally vary

Description

Mahonia aquifolium 'Compacta' (syn. Berberis aquifolium) is a charming, low-growing evergreen shrub prized for its year-round ornamental interest and exceptional adaptability to shade. A compact selection of the Pacific Northwest native Oregon Grape, it forms a dense, rounded mound of glossy, holly-like, compound leaves with spiny margins. The foliage emerges with a coppery-red tint, matures to deep green, and takes on attractive purplish-bronze tones in winter. In spring, it produces clusters of bright yellow flowers that are highly attractive to bees and other pollinators. These are followed in autumn by abundant clusters of edible, blue-black berries that are excellent for jams and jellies and are a valuable food source for birds. An outstanding choice for woodland gardens, shaded borders, foundation plantings, and containers.

Quick Facts

Foliage & Flowers: Glossy, holly-like, compound evergreen leaves with spiny margins; new growth coppery-red, maturing to deep green, turning purplish-bronze in winter; clusters of bright yellow flowers in spring.
Fruit: Abundant clusters of edible, blue-black berries in autumn; excellent for jams and jellies; attracts birds.
Mature Height: 2-3 ft.
Mature Spread: 3-4 ft.
Growth Rate: Slow to moderate.
Hardiness Zones: USDA 5-9; Sunset 2-12, 14-24.
Light Requirement: Partial shade to full shade (tolerates morning sun).
Core Benefits: Year-round ornamental interest (coppery new growth, yellow flowers, blue berries, purplish winter foliage), edible fruit, attracts birds and bees, shade tolerant, deer resistant, low maintenance.

Faqs

Q: How large does Compact Oregon Grape Holly get?
A: It is a compact, rounded evergreen shrub, typically reaching 2-3 feet in height and 3-4 feet in spread at maturity.

Q: Are the berries edible?
A: Yes, the blue-black berries are edible and are excellent for making jams and jellies. They are also a valuable food source for birds.

Q: How much sun does it need?
A: It thrives in partial shade to full shade. It tolerates morning sun but must be protected from hot afternoon sun, which can scorch the foliage.

Q: Is it deer resistant?
A: Yes, it is generally resistant to deer due to its spiny, holly-like foliage.

Q: Does it have year-round interest?
A: Yes, it offers multi-season interest: coppery-red new growth in spring, bright yellow flowers, edible blue-black berries in autumn, and purplish-bronze foliage in winter.

Q: Is it drought tolerant?
A: Once established, it has low to moderate water needs and is moderately drought tolerant. It performs best with consistent moisture, especially in sunnier locations.

Q: Does it attract wildlife?
A: Yes, the spring flowers attract bees and other pollinators, and the autumn berries are a valuable food source for birds.

Q: How should I care for it?
A: It is low-maintenance once established. Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape and remove any dead or damaged branches. Apply a layer of mulch to keep roots cool and moist.

📍 Primary Delivery Area · San Francisco Bay Area

Local delivery across the Bay Area — and beyond.

San Francisco Bay Area is our primary local delivery market. Victory Nursery also serves additional California markets and selected extended delivery areas by arrangement.

Regular local delivery: San Francisco, Peninsula, South Bay, East Bay, Marin, Tracy / Mountain House and surrounding service areas.

Shop now

A good garden starts with the right size

Choose your starting point.

5 Gallon

A popular size for shrubs, screening plants and young trees. Large enough to make an immediate difference in the garden while still manageable for most residential projects.

Explore 5 Gallon Plants

Gallon describes the container size, not a guaranteed plant height. Individual plants vary. Contact our nursery for current measurements.

Discover More from Victory Nursery