Shrub
Oregon Grape Holly
Mahonia aquifolium
Monrovia® varieties
Varieties We Carry
FortuneiMahonia aquifoliumSoft CaressMahonia aquifolium
Sizes & Pricing
#2MonroviaFrom$69.95
3 galFrom$29.95
Fresh this week. Last restocked Jun 15.
LightPart Shade
WaterModerate
Mature size5-10 feet × 3-4 feet
About Oregon Grape Holly
Oregon grape holly (Mahonia aquifolium) is a western North American evergreen shrub with holly-like leaves, bright yellow spring flowers, and blue-black berries. It is not well-adapted to NE Florida's summer heat and humidity and performs poorly in zone 9b — heat-tolerant alternatives such as native Florida holly (Ilex) are strongly preferred for this region. Starting at $29.95.
Plant details
- Bloom Season
- Spring, Winter
- Flower Color
- Yellow
- Growth Rate
- Slow
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Soil
- Loam, Acidic, Well-drained
Best planting months
Recommended forZone 9b · St. Augustine, FL
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This monthGood windowOther months
Seasonal care
Bloom season. Good planting window.
Active growing season.
Ideal planting window.
Bloom season. Retains foliage through winter.
Care essentials
Light
Oregon grape holly requires partial shade and is poorly suited to NE Florida's intense heat and sun — leaves scorch and bleach in full sun. In NE Florida this plant is marginal; site in deep afternoon shade with moist, cool-root conditions to reduce heat stress.
Water
Keep soil consistently moist with good drainage; drought stress combined with NE Florida's summer heat causes rapid decline. Mulch heavily to cool the root zone. This plant is at the edge of its heat tolerance in zone 9b and requires attentive watering.
Soil & Fertilizer
Plant in moist, organically rich, acidic, well-drained soil (pH 5.0–6.5). Amend NE Florida's sandy beds generously with compost or peat. Feed lightly with an acid-forming fertilizer in early spring; avoid high-nitrogen programs that push tender growth susceptible to scorch.
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Common questions
Is Oregon Grape Holly a good plant for St. Augustine?
Oregon Grape Holly is a shrub for Zone 9b coastal Florida gardens, with low salt tolerance, reaching 5-10 feet × 3-4 feet.
Care information verified from
Last reviewed February 2026. Our care guidance comes from trusted horticulture sources and decades of helping St. Augustine gardeners. Conditions here can vary dramatically from one area to the next, so come ask us and we'll tailor it to your yard.