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Key characteristics

Family: Berberidaceae
Height: 12 to 18 inches
Width: 18 to 36 inches
Flower color: Bright yellow fragrant flowers borne in short upright clusters
Foliage color: Blue green to gray green holly like leaves, often turning burgundy to purple in winter
Bloom time: Mid to late spring, often April to May
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Water: Low to average well drained soil
Maintenance: Low; remove older stems if needed to maintain a compact spreading habit and trim lightly after flowering if shaping is desired
Growing zone: USDA zones 4 to 8
Wildlife: Bees, butterflies and birds that feed on the blue purple berries

Shrubs

Mahonia repens 'MonRws'

Darkstar Creeping Oregon Grape

Mahonia repens 'MonRws' produces clusters of bright yellow flowers in mid to late spring, the small blooms gathered in upright sprays that rise above the foliage. The blossoms are followed by dusty blue berries that add seasonal interest later in the year. Low stems carry leathery leaves divided into several holly-like leaflets with softly spined edges. The evergreen foliage emerges deep green before developing rich burgundy to purple tones that intensify through the growing season and often deepen further in cooler weather.

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Water

Low to average well drained soil

Bloom time

Mid to late spring, often April to May

Find this plant

Works well in

Shade Gardens
Borders
Native Gardens
Bird Gardens

Companion plants

Aucuba · Hellebore · Brunnera · Japanese maple · Lungwort · Autumn fern

Design tip

Use ‘MonRws’ as a low evergreen layer along the front of borders or beneath taller shrubs, where its spreading habit can visually connect neighboring plants. Pair it with lighter green foliage to emphasize the burgundy and purple tones that develop as the season progresses.