Mahonia x media 'Arthur Menzies' Arthur Menzies Hybrid Mahonia

A hybrid selection of mahonia that combines the hardy pedigree of Mahonia bealei with the bold texture of M. lomariifolia. The initial chance seedling was discovered in 1961 in Seattle's Washington Park Arboretum. The decidedly upright plants offer interesting evergreen accent with bold textured, 10-15" spine-tipped, evergreen leaves on display throughout the gardening year. In late winter, airy inflorescences of yellow, bell-shaped blossoms appear at the tops of stems. Individual blossoms are small though each cluster can measure as much as 10" x 10" in size. Plants are marginally hardy at best in CT and are only worth trying for those with sheltered locations in the warmest regions. Protection from excess wind and sun during winter will be critical for success. Alternately, plants can be successfully cultivated as container specimens that are ferried in and out of the basement, sunroom or the like during winter.