Mahonia bealei is a flowering plant in the family Berberidaceae, native to central and western China. Growing to 3 m (10 ft) tall and wide, it is an evergreen shrub with pinnate leaves 2050 cm (820 in) long, each with 919 ovate-lanceolate leaflets 37 cm (1 1?42 3?4 in) long and 1.54 cm (5?81 1?2 in) broad. The flowers are produced in racemes 515 cm (26 in) long, each flower 1015 mm (3?85?8 in) diameter, with six petals; they are followed by dark blue berries 59 mm (3?163?8 in) diameter.
Related plant:
Mahonia Fortunei
About soil condition, Mahonia bealei (Beale's Barberry) prefers a rich, well-drained soil, although it is tolerant of less than ideal conditions. It will even grow in heavy clay or shallow, rocky soils. This tough plant is also drought tolerant once established.
Like the other members of the Mahonia family, the Beales mahonia (Mahonia bealei) is an evergreen shrub that is prized for its elegant, tall stature and bright, cheerful flowers. This particular variety is native to central and western China and was named after the English botanist, Richard Beale, who introduced it to Europe in 1854. The Beales mahonia is a fast-growing shrub that can reach up to 6 feet in height and width at maturity. It has long, leathery leaves that are compound with 9-19 leaflets. The leaves are a glossy green color and turn a burgundy hue in the fall and winter. This shrub is also long-lived and can live for up to 50 years with proper care. The Beales mahonia is a sun-loving plant and does best in full sun to partial shade. It is tolerant of a wide range of soil conditions but prefers well-drained, loamy soil. This shrub is fairly drought tolerant once established. It is also low-maintenance and does not require much pruning or fertilizing.
The temperature condition that is best for Mahonia bealei is one that is cool and moist. This plant does not like it when the temperature gets too hot or too cold. The ideal temperature for this plant is between 55 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 50%. The plant grows best in bright, indirect sunlight but can tolerate some direct sun if the humidity is high enough. Too much direct sun can cause the leaves to scorch.
For the fertilizer, usually the plant does not need much fertilizer. If you do fertilize, use a low nitrogen fertilizer once a month during the growing season. For the root, Mahonia bealei is a taproot plant. The taproot can grow quite large and deep. It is important to plant this plant in an area where the taproot will not be disturbed.
Pruning is an important part of mahonia bealei care. Heavy pruning is best done in early spring, before new growth begins. You can also prune in late fall or winter, when the plant is dormant. Mahonia bealei can be pruned back quite severely and will respond with new growth.
Propagation of Mahonia bealei is best done by softwood cuttings taken in late spring or early summer. The cuttings should be about 6 inches (15 cm) long and should be taken from new growth. Cuttings should be made just below a leaf node and the bottom leaves should be removed. The cutting should then be dipped in rooting hormone and planted in a potting mix that is moist but well-drained. The pot should be placed in a shady location and the cutting kept moist until roots have formed and new growth appears. Mahonia bealei can also be propagated by seed, but it can be difficult to get the seeds to germinate.
Usually, the plant growth rate during the spring and summer when the weather is warm and there is plenty of rainfall. The stages of growth for this plant are fast during these months as the plant flowers and sets seed. However, mahonia bealei growth rate begins to slow down during the fall and winter when the weather becomes cold and there is less rainfall. The plant will enter a dormant state during these months, only growing new leaves and stems when the weather becomes warmer and there is more rainfall.
Common problems for this kind of plant plants are leaf spot, aphids, and scale insects. Leaf spot is a fungal disease that can be controlled with fungicide. Aphids and scale insects are both sucking insects that can be controlled with insecticide.
Source:
Mahonia bealei | Landscape Plant Propagation Information | Plant ...
Mahonia bealei - University of Florida
Species: Mahonia bealei - Cornell University