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Mahonia fremontii

Common Name Fremont barberry
Family Berberidaceae (Barberry Family)

Description

This Mahonia is similar to Oregon grape, but can grow taller. Its maximum height is somewhere in the range of 1.5-3 meters. The characteristically holly-shaped leaves are arranged in groups of 3-9. The berry is reddish to purplish, but the main ornamental feature is the striking bluish foliage.

Range 

Southern Utah into Arizona, New Mexico.

Culture

Needs well-drained soil.

Value 

A superior drought-tolerant shrub; like all mahonia it has fetching bunches of yellow flowers, but its real attraction is the most sky-blue leaf color of any plant on remarkably holly-like foliage. Has grown a foot a year in my landscape once established.

Propagation

Germinates slowly from seed. To start seed indoors soak seed in hydrogen peroxide (from the market) for 24 hours. Rinse seed and put in cold treatment for 90 to 120 days. Sow into container and cover to depth. Keep in temperature at around 70 degrees for germination. Germination will take place from 15 to 30 days do not over water. To start outdoors soak seed as listed above and place in desired location in the fall. Cover seed with ¼" soil. Plants will be seen from 1 to 2 years. Caution: mice like these seed so take precautions to protect them outside.