Mahonia lanceolata

This evergreen shrub was collected by John Fairey and Carl Schoenfeld in El Cielo, Mexico in 1992 and 1994. Growing up to 8-10 feet tall and 6-8 feet wide, this glossy-leaved Mahonia is truly a jewel of the John Fairey Garden. Multiple branches emerge from the roots, growing upwards and then cascading down to the ground in a tangled web of slender limbs and dark green foliage. In early February, airy racemes of pale yellow flowers emerge from the canopy, almost looking like floating popcorn kernels against the dark backdrop of the leaves. These unique blooms cling to the plant for about 2 weeks and are eventually replaced by small dark blue fruits in mid summer. These fruits start out a pale blue and darken as they mature, hanging like delicate ornaments from the branches of the plant. These Mexican Mahonia species are not common in the United States and are difficult to find outside of our Garden. Plant in part sun and in very well-draining soil.