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Key characteristics

Family: Berberidaceae
Height: 4 to 15 feet
Width: 4 to 12 feet
Flower color: Bright yellow
Foliage color: Evergreen with thick, leathery, deep green leaves
Bloom time: Late fall to early spring
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Water: Average water needs
Maintenance: Low; deer resistant and requires minimal pruning
Growing zone: USDA Zones 6 to 9
Wildlife: Bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds (notably during its winter bloom period)

Shrubs

Mahonia x media 'Charity'

Charity Oregon Grape

Mahonia x media 'Charity' is an evergreen shrub admired for its bold architectural presence and bright yellow flowers. The long, upright racemes of fragrant blooms appear from late autumn through winter, adding a burst of color to gardens during the colder months. These flowers are followed by small, blue-black berries, which attract birds and provide additional seasonal interest.

Originating from horticultural efforts to combine the best traits of its parent species, 'Charity' is known for its hardiness and adaptability. Its dramatic, pinnate foliage with spiny leaflets lends year-round texture and visual appeal to gardens.

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Water

Average water needs

Bloom time

Late fall to early spring

Find this plant

Works well in

Sun Gardens
Deer Prone Areas
Hummingbird Gardens
Pollinator Gardens

Companion plants

Juniper · Beautyberry · Larkspur · Pincushion flower · Wallflower · Grape hyacinth

Design tip

Use ‘Charity’ as an architectural anchor where its bold evergreen foliage can provide height and structure. Position it where the upright yellow flower clusters can be seen from frequently used winter spaces, and surround it with lower-growing plants to emphasize its vertical form.