How to Grow Mahonia Fortunei - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2025

Mahonia fortunei is an evergreen shrub that is native to China. It has leathery, dark green leaves that are often used in floral arrangements. The plant can grow to be up to 6 feet tall and produces small, yellow flowers in the spring.

How to Grow Mahonia Fortunei - Plant Care & Tips

Also called

  • Mahonia fortunei
  • Fortune's mahonia
  • Chinese mahonia
  • Japanese mahonia
  • Mountain mahonia

Common Knowledge

  • Mahonia fortunei, commonly known as Fortune's hollygrape or Chinese hollygrape, is a species of flowering plant in the family Berberidaceae, native to China.
  • It is an evergreen shrub growing to 1–3 m (3–10 ft) tall, with spiny pinnate leaves up to 50 cm (20 in) long, each leaf with 7-19 sharply serrated leaflets.
  • The flowers are yellow, produced in short racemes in late winter or early spring.
  • The fruit is a blackberry-like drupe 5–8 mm (0.20–0.31 in) diameter, ripening in late summer or autumn.
  • It is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant in temperate regions, and has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.
  • The specific epithet fortunei commemorates Scottish plant collector Robert Fortune.
  • A number of cultivars have been selected, including ' Buddhadeva', with deep yellow flowers, and the dwarf 'Ming Dynasty'.
  • It is also grown as a bonsai.
  • The fruits are used in China to make a yellow wine.
  • In the West, the fruit is sometimes used in pies or as a jam.

Related plant:
Mahonia Bealei

Planting Process

  1. For mahonia fortunei, first step is to find a location that receives partial sun to full shade.
  2. The second step is to prepare the soil by adding organic matter such as compost or peat moss.
  3. The third step is to dig a hole that is twice the size of the plant’s root ball.
  4. The fourth step is to place the plant in the hole and backfill with the amended soil.
  5. The fifth step is to water the plant deeply and thoroughly.
  6. The sixth step is to mulch around the plant to help retain moisture.
  7. The seventh step is to fertilize the plant in early spring with a balanced fertilizer.
  8. The eighth step is to prune the plant as needed to control its size and shape.
  9. The ninth step is to monitor the plant for signs of pests or disease and take action as needed.
  10. The tenth and final step is to enjoy your beautiful mahonia fortunei plant!

Related plant:
Mahonia Eurybracteata

Soil Condition

About soil condition, Mahonia fortunei grows best in moist, well-drained, humus-rich soils, but it is quite adaptable and will also tolerate full sun and drier soils as long as they are not too alkaline. When grown in sunnier conditions, it is important to provide some summer water, especially during prolonged dry periods.

About light

Similar to other mahonia shrubs, the Mahonia fortunei also require full sun to partial sun in order to thrive. It is important to note that this shrub does not do well in shady areas as it needs at least 4 hours of sun exposure every day. If you live in an area with hot summers, it is best to plant this shrub in a spot that gets morning sun and afternoon shade. This will help protect the leaves from scorching and burning.

Ideal Temperature

The temperature condition for a Mahonia fortunei plant is quite cool. They typically like temperatures in the 50-60 degree Fahrenheit range and will go dormant if the temperature gets too hot. They can survive in temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit but will not flower or fruit.

Ideal Humidity

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 30-40%. The plant does not tolerate dry conditions and will drop its leaves if the humidity falls below 30%. If the humidity is too high, the leaves will become yellow and fall off.

Fertilizer Requirement

Discussing fertilizer, this type of plant responds well to a slow-releasing fertilizer that is high in phosphorus. Be sure to apply the fertilizer according to the package directions, as too much fertilizer can actually harm the plant. When it comes to watering, the Mahonia fortunei prefers its roots to stay moist but not soggy. Like most plants, it is best to water the Mahonia fortunei in the morning so that the leaves have a chance to dry out before nightfall.

Plant Pruning

Pruning your Mahonia fortunei plant is important to maintain its appearance and health. While this plant is relatively low-maintenance, regular pruning will help it to look its best. You can prune your Mahonia fortunei as needed to remove any dead or damaged branches. You can also prune to shape the plant or to control its size.

The Propagation

Propagation is best done from semi-ripe cuttings taken in late summer. Remove a shoot that has just finished flowering and cut it into pieces about 10cm (4in) long. These can be inserted into a well-drained, moisture-retentive soil. The following year, if the plants have rooted successfully, they can be planted into their permanent positions.

Growth Rate

Usually, the plant growth rate in the wild is determined by the amount of available sunlight. In areas with more sunlight, the plant will grow faster. The average growth rate for mahonia fortunei is between 10 and 20 centimeters per year.

The Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are stem and root rots, which can be caused by too much moisture in the soil. Other problems include leaf spot, powdery mildew, and rust. These can be controlled by fungicides and proper watering.

Growing Tips

  • Make sure to plant your mahonia fortunei in an area with full sun to partial shade.
  • It is important to amend the soil with organic matter prior to planting.
  • Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system.
  • Fertilize in the spring with a slow-release fertilizer.
  • Prune mahonia fortunei as needed to maintain its desired shape and size.
  • Be sure to protect the plant from winter winds and extreme cold temperatures.
  • Mahonia fortunei is relatively drought tolerant once established, but it will benefit from supplemental water during extended periods of hot, dry weather.
  • Deer and rabbits tend to leave this plant alone, making it a good choice for areas where these animals are a problem.
  • This plant is relatively free of serious insect and disease problems.
  • Mahonia fortunei is an excellent choice for use as

Substitution

  • Berberis ..........................
  • Oregon-grape .................. Berberis aquifolium
  • Holly-leaved barberry ....... Mahonia x media
  • Creeping mahonia ............ Mahonia japonica
  • Tall Oregon-grape ........... Mahonia aquifolium
  • Mountain mahonia ........... Berberis dictyophleba
  • Japanese barberry .......... Berberis thunbergii
  • Dwarf Oregon-grape ....... Berberis pumila
  • California barberry ........ Berberis pinnata
  • Cascade barberry .......... Berberis nervosa

Source:
Mahonia fortunei: Chinese Mahonia - horticulture.lsu.edu
JC Raulston Arboretum - Our Plants - Mahonia fortunei
Mahonia, Leatherleaf

Richelle Author Photo
Reviewed & Published by Richelle
Submitted by our contributor
Shrubs Category