Species M. x media Higher classification Barberry | Scientific name Mahonia × media Rank Hybrid | |
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Similar Barberry, Mahonia japonica, Oregon Grape, Mahonia lomariifolia, Mahonia bealei | ||
Mahonia × media is an interspecific hybrid shrub. Its parents are Mahonia lomariifolia and Mahonia japonica. It was raised in gardens during the 20th century, and has become an important garden and landscape plant.
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Description
The hybrids show some variation, but are generally intermediate in most characteristics between the two parents. The following description is of the clone Charity.
The plants have an upright form, becoming bare at the base. There are between 7 and 11 pairs of leaflets, plus a terminal leaflet. The flowers are in somewhat spreading racemes, often as long as in M. japonica. There is some scent to the flowers, but it is not as strong as in M. japonica. Flowering goes on throughout the winter.
Different clones may resemble one or the other parent more closely. It is possible that other species of Mahonia have contributed to the stock ascribed to this hybrid. Mahonia japonica "Bealei" is considered particularly likely to be one of these. Many clones have an upright architectural form derived from M. lomariifolia, though some resemble the M. japonica parent rather more.
Plants provide viable seed, and second generation hybrids have been raised.
The plants are especially valued in the garden because of their ornamental leaves, and because they flower through the winter.
Origin
The first recorded plant was found in a mixed batch of seedlings from Mahonia lomariifolia which was raised in Northern Ireland in 1951 or earlier. This plant was given the cultivar name Charity at the Savill Gardens, England, where it first flowered. It has been widely cultivated since under this name. Other clones have since been described and distributed, including Winter Sun and Buckland.
