Should I Prune Mahonia?

Leatherleaf mahonia shrubs grow slowly and require very little pruning to control their size. However, heavy pruning in late winter and occasional pruning during the summer months will improve their appearance by creating a fuller shape with denser, more attractive foliage cover.

When and how do you prune Mahonia?

Mahonia can be pruned at any time of the year without damaging the plant. The best time however is soon after they finished flowering, generally March to April time. This will give them the best chance of producing flowers later in the year.

Do Mahonias need pruning?

When growing Mahonia you do not have to prune the shrub, but a light prune, from time to time after flowering, will trim the shrub into shape and remove any dead branches. Mahonia look good under planted with snow drops and Hellebores to provide a mixed winter border.