Topic: Propagating Mahonias

[Garden Manager]

I have always wanted one of these plants, but have always been a bit too much of a cheapskate to buy one (they are a bit pricey in my local GC). Recently I have been given the opportunity to propagate from a mature plant. I was wondering if you could take hardwood cuttings of these plants or does it have to be by soft or semi ripe cuttings (if at all). Any other reliable methods I could try (eg layering, suckers etc)

Please advise.

[Alimo]

The blackbirds in my garden always help out - eat the berries and (ahem) poop out the seeds the other  ;D

They are lovely plants, wonderful colour and scent this time of year.

Alison

[Tee Gee]

This link and its related links should answer your query!

http://www.thegardenersalmanac.co.uk/Data/Mahonia/Mahonia.htm

Click on thumbnail pictures to enlarge.

[Garden Manager]

Sorry i've not replies earlier. Thanks for replies. Looks like seed or semiripe cuttings are the only options then? Layering and Hardwoods are out. Thats a great pity.

[Hyacinth]

GA, I wonder that layering might not be an option OR digging a root up? I don't know, but can only speak from experience of working in a client's garden that a mahonia planted one side of a high fence, has bits of it coming up the other side, so, therefore, it may spring up from runners? I've been working for this lady for 4 years & I've always had to cut back the unwelcome new growth which obviously weren't new plants from seeds.

[Garden Manager]

GA, I wonder that layering might not be an option OR digging a root up? I don't know, but can only speak from experience of working in a client's garden that a mahonia planted one side of a high fence, has bits of it coming up the other side, so, therefore, it may spring up from runners? I've been working for this lady for 4 years & I've always had to cut back the unwelcome new growth which obviously weren't new plants from seeds.

I suppose it depends on the variety - some might be more prone to this than others, but its worth looking into. Thanks.