Creeping oregon grape is a fast-growing, evergreen groundcover that is native to the Pacific Northwest. It is an excellent plant for erosion control on slopes and in other areas where soil stability is an issue. The creeping oregon grape has deep green leaves that are leathery and serrated. The plant produces small, yellow flowers in the spring, followed by dark purple berries in the summer.
Related plant:
Creeping Snowberry
Related plant:
Creeping Mahonia
About soil condition, creepy oregon grape prefers well-drained soils, but it can also tolerate clay and sandy soils. It requires a pH between 5.5 and 7.5 and does not tolerate salty or alkaline soils. When it comes to creepy oregon grape, mulching is important to conserve moisture and keep the roots cool.
Not too different with other plants, the creeping Oregon grape needs sun to grow. However, it can also tolerate partial shade, especially in hot summer climates. The plant does best in bright dappled light or light shade. It will also grow in full sun, but the leaves may scorch in very hot weather.
The temperature condition that is most ideal for creeping oregon grape is between 55 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit. This plant prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. If the temperature gets too hot, the leaves of the creeping oregon grape will start to turn yellow and drop off. If the temperature gets too cold, the leaves will turn brown and fall off.
Ideal humidity condition for this plant is around 50%. If the humidity level gets too low, the leaves will start to dry out and drop off. If the humidity level gets too high, the leaves will start to yellow and drop off.
The fertilizer, this type of plant needs, is a 4-6-4 or 5-10-5 fertilizer. The fertilizer should be applied in the spring when the plant is actively growing. It is best to apply the fertilizer to the soil around the plant, not directly to the plant. too much fertilizer can burn the roots of the plant.
Pruning is an important part of maintaining a healthy creeping oregon grape plant. Periodically removing dead or excess growth helps encourage new growth and keep the plant looking its best. When pruning, be sure to use clean, sharp tools to avoid damaging the plant. And, as with any plant, it's important to avoid over-pruning, which can lead to unhealthy growth.
Propagation of creeping oregon grape is best done by rooting stem cuttings. Cuttings should be taken from new growth in late spring or early summer. Choose a cutting that is approximately six inches long and remove the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting. Dip the bottom of the cutting in rooting hormone and plant in a well-drained potting mix. Water well and place in a warm, sunny location. The cutting should root within four to six weeks.
Usually, the plant growth rate is slow at about 6 inches per year. However, if the soil and growing conditions are ideal, the growth rate can be accelerated to about 24 inches per year. An advantage of this plant is that it is very drought tolerant once it is established.
Common problems for this kind of plant are that the leaves may turn yellow and the stems may become blackened or killed. These problems are usually caused by a lack of water or nutrients, or by too much sun exposure. If the plant is not getting enough water, the leaves will begin to droop and the plant will eventually die. If the plant is getting too much sun, the leaves will begin to turn yellow and eventually brown. The best way to prevent these problems is to water the plant regularly and keep it in a location that gets partial sun.
Source:
Berberis aquifolium (Creeping Mahonia, Holly-leaved Barberry,
Creeping Oregon Grape | ClipPix ETC: Educational Photos for
Creeping Bentgrass Agrostis stolonifera - College of Agricultural
