What: Mahonia aquifolium “Orange Flame” is a shrub that makes a garden statement all year long, starting in the spring with its rust/orange foliage. Its leaves are pointed and prickly, similar to English holly, so it is a shrub that needs to be planted away from foot paths. The leaves eventually turn green, then take on the color of red wine in the fall. As if this were not reason enough to find a location in your garden, it produces bright yellow flowers in the spring and is deer proof.
Sun/shade: This mahonia does well in full or part sun, unlike others that require shade.
Size: It is a manageable 5 feet tall by 4 feet wide at maturity.
Find it: At your local full service nursery, but phone first to check on inventory.
— Sandra Schumacher
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.