1 gal. Oregon Grape Holly Shrub with Glossy Evergreen Foliage, Vivid Red Fall Color, Yellow Flowers and Blue Fruit

SKU: SBMH001
Regular price $24.95
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Description

The Oregon Grape is an easily grown evergreen plant that although unrelated to actual grapes, earns its name from the purple bunches of edible berries that resemble grape clusters. These beautiful shrubs prefer shaded or partly-shaded areas but can survive in full-sun. The Oregon Grape consists of the typical holly shaped leaves that begin with a green color but then become tinged with red and purple tones. The Oregon Grape also produces close-knit aromatic yellow blooms in the early spring which then turn to the berries it is well-known for. Resistant to drought and tolerating poor soil, the Oregon Grape grows at a moderate rate and can be slow to spread. This shrub is the state flower of Oregon and attracts insects with its blooms and bird with its berries. Growing up to 72 in. tall and 36 in. W, you will find the Oregon Grape commonly used in mass planting/ground cover, hedges and used to stabilize ground.

 

What's great about the evergreen Oregon Grape?

  • Oregon grape is deer resistant and wonderful for bird and bee gardens
  • Thriving in USDA hardiness zones 5 to 9, the Oregon grape grows up to 72 in. tall and 36 in. W
  • Attractive to insects with its yellow flowers, the Oregon grape also attracts birds with its edible bunches of berries
  • Oregon grape shrubs prefer part to full shaded areas but can survive in full-sun as well

Frequently Asked Questions

How big will it get?

It varies a lot, from low groundcover junipers to arborvitae that can reach 30 feet or more, and this page lists the size for this plant. Plan for its full spread, not the size of the pot.

How far apart should I plant a hedge?

Set plants a little closer together than they'd spread on their own, measured center to center. For example, a shrub that spreads 4 feet wide goes about 3½ feet apart.

Why is it turning brown?

Some browning after planting or after a hard winter is common in young evergreens. Both come down to water: a root ball that dried out, or winter sun and wind pulling water from the leaves while the roots sit in frozen soil. Water deeply through fall until the ground freezes, and wait for spring growth before you trim, since buds under brown tips can still be alive. Mild winter bronzing on boxwood almost always greens up in spring. Narrow black streaks on green boxwood stems are different, so send us photos.

Is it deer resistant?

It depends on the plant. Deer seldom do serious damage to spruces, most junipers or boxwood. They browse arborvitae and yews heavily, especially in winter, and occasionally do serious damage to blue hollies and Japanese hollies like Sky Pencil. Where deer are common, a wire-mesh cage around a young plant stops browsing.

When can I trim it?

Most evergreens hold their shape with little or no trimming. If you do trim, skip late summer and fall, because cuts then push tender new growth that winter can burn. Take out winter-browned tips in spring, once new growth shows you what's alive.

Do I need a male holly for berries?

Yes, for female hollies. Blue Princess, Castle Spire and Red Beauty set their red berries only with a male holly nearby that blooms at the same time, such as Blue Boy or Castle Wall. One male can serve three to five females, planted within about 300 feet.

What does the gallon size mean?

It's the size of the nursery pot the plant ships in, not the plant's height. A 1-gallon plant ships in a 1-gallon pot. The plant itself varies by variety and by season.

It arrived wilted or dropped some leaves. Is it OK?

A few days in a dark box is stressful for a leafy plant, and some yellow or dropped leaves are common. Water it if the soil is dry, give it a few days in bright shade, then move it into more sun over a week or two. New leaves usually follow. If it looks damaged or unhealthy beyond a few leaves, contact us that day with photos.

How do I plant it?

Plant when the ground isn't frozen, and not during a heat wave. Loosen any roots circling the root ball, and set the top of the root ball level with the ground or slightly above it. Water it in well.

How often should I water it? The label says drought tolerant.

Check the soil every few days for the first few months, and water when the root ball is dry. A new shrub counts as established once its roots spread as wide as its branches, which usually takes at least two growing seasons. Until then, it depends on you for water, even if the label says drought tolerant.