Seeds – Mahonia pallida

One of the true prizes of the John Fairey Garden. Mahonia pallida is a sweeping evergreen shrub native to the mountainous cliffs of the Sierra Madre Oriental in Mexico. Originally collected by John Fairey on three different collecting trips, Mahonia pallida has been thriving in the garden since the late 1980’s. In late winter, small white and yellow blooms emerge on hanging panicles, giving an airy flower display. By early summer, black-blue fruit emerges and is a favorite snack of our local birds. These seeds are open-pollinated, so some hybridization with other Mexican Mahonia species is possible. Sow in plug trays with 1 seed per plug, and be patient as they can take up to 6 months to germinate. Transplant after the second set of true leaves has emerged, and be careful to not disturb the fragile roots.