Over the years mahonias have been both loved and mocked by fickle gardeners. They are viewed as bombproof plants able to cope with pollution, heavy clay, dry shade, footballs, large dogs and even the occasional near-death hacking by a dodgy gardener. They are resilient characters and I get the impression they don’t care what people think — one reason I admire them. The lower-growing varieties make excellent ground cover in tricky areas and the larger varieties can grow to 5m so may be ideal as a garden backdrop or to add height in key areas. Their architectural, deeply cut glossy leaves form good coverage so when strategically placed can make excellent screening plants too.

Source: The Times December 21, 2019 00:06 UTC