How to Grow Mahonia Sweet Winter - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team / 2025

Mahonia sweet winter is a plant that is native to East Asia. It is a member of the Berberidaceae family and is closely related to the barberry. The plant is a shrub that can grow to be about six feet tall. It has dark green leaves that are compound with five to nine leaflets. The flowers of the plant are yellow and appear in the spring. The fruit of the plant is a dark blue berry that is edible. The plant is often used as an ornamental plant in gardens.

How to Grow Mahonia Sweet Winter - Plant Care & Tips

Also called

Oregon grape
Mountain grape
Desert grape
Foothill grape
Cascade grape

Basic info

Mahonia sweet winter is a deciduous shrub that grows to a height of 6-8 feet.
It has pinnate leaves with 5-9 leaflets that are each 2-4 inches long.
The leaflets have a toothed margin and are a deep green color.
In late fall, the shrub produces clusters of small, yellow flowers.
These are followed by blue-black berries that are attractive to birds.
Mahonia sweet winter is native to China and Japan.
It was introduced into North America in the late 1800s.
The shrub is tolerant of a wide range of soils and growing conditions.
It prefers full sun to partial shade and is drought tolerant.
Mahonia sweet winter is an attractive shrub that is easy to care for.

Related plant:
Mahonia Bealei

Planting Process

For mahonia sweet winter, first step is to take the cutting from the plant.
Cut the stem of the plant at an angle of 45 degrees.
Place the cutting in a container of water.
Change the water in the container every day.
After a week, put the cutting in a pot filled with soil.
Water the pot regularly.
Put the pot in a location where it will receive indirect sunlight.
After a month, fertilize the plant.
After two months, you can transplant the mahonia sweet winter into a larger pot.
You can also plant the mahonia sweet winter in your garden.

Related plant:
Mahonia Shrub

Soil Condition

About soil condition, the Mahonia sweet winter prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It is essential to choose a planting site that has good drainage to ensure the roots do not become waterlogged, which can lead to root rot. The plant does not tolerate standing water or long periods of drought. If the soil is too sandy, consider adding organic matter such as compost or manure to improve drainage and help retain moisture.

About light

Not too different with other members of the Mahonia family, the Sweet Winter Mahonia does best in bright, indirect sunlight but can tolerate some full sun exposure. Be sure to provide some afternoon shade in hot summer climates. This is a shrub that really lights up the garden in winter when most other plants are dormant.

Ideal Temperature

The temperature condition that is best for the Mahonia sweet winter is between 50 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit. This plant cannot tolerate cold temperatures and will not survive if the temperature drops below 50 degrees. The ideal temperature range for this plant is between 50 to 65 degrees. If the temperature rises above this range, the plant may experience some stress and may not produce as many flowers.

Humidity Requirement

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is around 50%. If the humidity drops below 30%, the leaves may start to turn brown and fall off. If the humidity is too high, the leaves may start to yellow and drop off.

The Fertilizer

About fertilizer, this type of plant does best with a nitrogen-rich fertilizer. An organic option like manure or compost can be used, or a synthetic fertilizer like Miracle-Gro. For the roots, make sure the soil is well-draining to prevent root rot.

About light

Pruning your Mahonia sweet winter is important to keep the plant healthy and encourage new growth. To prune, start by removing any dead or damaged leaves and stems. Then, cut back the plant by one-third to one-half. Be sure to make clean, sharp cuts and remove any excess leaves or stems from the base of the plant.

Plant Propagation

Propagation is best done in the spring or fall. Take stem cuttings that are 6-8 inches long and place them in a moistened, well-drained media. The cuttings should be kept at 68-72 degrees Fahrenheit. Rooting will occur in 4-8 weeks. Once the roots have developed, pot the cuttings up and water them well. Fertilize monthly with a balanced fertilizer.

Growth Speed

Usually, the plant growth rate is about 10 to 12 inches a year. Some mountains and hybrids can grow a little faster. This is a fast growing plant that can quickly become overgrown and unmanageable if not pruned regularly.

The Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are leaf spot, crown rot, and powdery mildew. Leaf spot is caused by a fungus that attacks the leaves, causing brown or black spots. Crown rot is caused by a fungus that attacks the roots, causing the plant to wilt and die. Powdery mildew is caused by a fungus that attacks the leaves, causing white powdery spots.

List to Know

If you live in a cold climate, it's best to plant Mahonia sweet winter in the spring.
Choose a location for your plant that has well-drained soil and receives full sun to partial shade.
Before planting, work some organic matter into the soil to improve drainage.
To planting, dig a hole that is twice the width and depth of the root ball.
Place the plant in the hole so that the crown is level with the soil surface.
Backfill the hole and water the plant well.
Apply a 2-inch layer of mulch around the plant, keeping it away from the crown.
Water Mahonia sweet winter regularly during the first growing season to establish a strong root system.
Fertilize the plant in early spring with a balanced fertilizer.
Prune Mahonia sweet winter in late winter or early spring