Brent Wilson · Gardenality Administrator · Zone 8A · 10° to 15° F · Comment About Planting
Leatherleaf Mahonia performs best in sites that provide well-drained soil and full to part shade, preferably morning sun with afternoon shade. Mahonia is useful planted under large trees, in woodland borders, and can be very useful in shady foundation plantings.

To plant, dig a hole no deeper than the root ball and two to three times the width of the root ball and fill it with water. If the hole drains within a few hours, you have good drainage. If the water is still standing 12 hours later, improve the drainage in your bed, perhaps by establishing a raised bed. Turn and break up the soil removed from the planting hole. Mix some organic compost if the native soil is clay or compacted soil. Remove your plant from its container and carefully but firmly loosen the root ball. Set the plant into the hole you've prepared, making sure the top of the root ball is slightly above the soil level. Pull your backfill soil mixture around the root ball in the hole, tamping as you go to remove air pockets. Then water thoroughly and cover with a one to two-inch layer of mulch.

Brent Wilson · Gardenality Administrator · Zone 8A · 10° to 15° F · Comment About Pruning
Leatherleaf Mahonia requires little if any pruning, only to remove a stray or broken branch.

Brent Wilson · Gardenality Administrator · Zone 8A · 10° to 15° F · Comment About Feeding
I fertilize my Leatherleaf Mahonia with a well-balanced, slow-release shrub & tree type fertilizer after it has finished blooming in spring.

Brent Wilson · Gardenality Administrator · Zone 8A · 10° to 15° F · Comment About Problems
I've seen no insect, pest or disease problems with Leatherleaf Mahonia. This is one tough plant.