What: Spiny leaves — reminiscent of holly foliage — of blue to deep green adorn this stoloniferous shrublet. Mahonia repens, also known as creeping Oregon grape or creeping hollygrape, grows to about 12 inches tall and spreads slowly to form a tight groundcover. In late winter to early spring, tight clusters of bright canary yellow flowers burst forth to welcome garden pollinators. By late summer to early fall, dark blue-purple berries may form and, while sour, are edible after one or two heavy frosts. The berries can be made into jelly when ripe. The evergreen foliage may turn purplish in winter.
Where: This low-growing mahonia is tough. It will grow well in full sun to deep shade. In full sun, the foliage will turn an attractive plum color. It prefers a moist to well-drained soil, but will tolerate sand and clay.
Size: The spreading shrub grows to be 1 foot tall and 8 feet wide when mature.
Care: Once established, creeping Oregon grape is drought tolerant, although plants in full sun can yellow if kept excessively dry. Occasional watering during dry weather will help plants in sun to maintain a rich green foliage color. Little pruning is necessary other than the removal of dead or broken limbs.
— Richie Steffen, Great Plant Picks
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