Compact Oregon grape
Mahonia aquifolium 'Compactum'
Compact Oregon grape (Mahonia aquifolium 'Compactum') is a shrub suited to the Colorado Front Range. It matures to about 2–3 ft tall and 3–4 ft wide, needs low to medium water, and prefers full sun to partial shade to dappled sun. Holly-like evergreen foliage; yellow spring blooms; blue summer berries. Winter sun + wind cause leaf scorch.
On the CSU listlow to medium water2–3 ft tall and 3–4 ft wideXeric / water-wiseZones 2–3 (keep it back from the house)Deer-resistant
Photos
- Photo 1: "Mahonia aquifolium (Tall Oregon Grape)" by brewbooks is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/.
- Photo 2: "Mahonia aquifolium Discovery Park" by brewbooks is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/.
- Photo 3: "Mahonia aquifolium" by The original uploader was Meggar at English Wikipedia. is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/.
- Photo 4: no rights reserved, uploaded by Craig Martin
- Photo 5: "mahonia aquifolium" by M. Martin Vicente is licensed under CC BY 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/.
- Photo 6: (c) Gavin Slater, some rights reserved (CC BY)
At a glance
Will it survive here?
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 5–9
- Water needs
- low to medium water
- Sun
- Best in full sun; tolerates partial shade, dappled sun. Flowers best with more sun.
- Soil
- loam
- Soil pH
- 5.5–7.5
- Hail tolerance
- high
- Wind tolerance
- moderate
- Salt tolerance
- low
- Firewise (defensible space)
- Zones 2–3 (keep it back from the house)
- Site uses
- Dry shade under conifers, Cool north foundations
How big, what shape?
- Mature size
- 2–3 ft tall and 3–4 ft wide
- Planting spacing
- ~4 ft apart (3 ft for a hedge/screen)
- Growth rate
- Moderate
What it looks like, and when
- Bloom time
- early spring, mid spring
- Bloom color
- yellow
- Fall color
- Bronze, purple, red
- Foliage
- Evergreen
Who else benefits
- Pollinator value
- high
- Deer
- Generally deer-resistant
- Colorado native
- No
Things to know before you plant
- Messy dropIt drops messy fruit, pods, or litter, so keep it off patios, walks, and pool decks.
Planting & establishment
Water weekly first 2 summers. Place where shielded from drying winter winds.
- Fruit: wildlife (birds/wildlife).
Frequently asked questions
- Is Compact Oregon grape good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, Compact Oregon grape is a well-suited shrub for Colorado's Front Range.
- What should I know before planting Compact Oregon grape?
- The main things to know: It drops messy fruit, pods, or litter, so keep it off patios, walks, and pool decks.
- How big does Compact Oregon grape get?
- It matures to about 2–3 ft tall and 3–4 ft wide.
- How far apart do I plant Compact Oregon grape?
- Space Compact Oregon grape about 4 ft apart for a full, natural form, or about 3 ft apart for a faster hedge or screen.
- Is Compact Oregon grape hardy on the Front Range?
- Compact Oregon grape is hardy in USDA 5–9. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–6a, so it is at its cold edge here. Site it in a warm microclimate and protect young plants.
- How much water does Compact Oregon grape need?
- It needs low to medium water once established.
- How fast does Compact Oregon grape grow?
- Compact Oregon grape is a moderate-growing shrub. Growth rate depends on water and site conditions on the Front Range.
- What color does Compact Oregon grape turn in fall?
- Compact Oregon grape turns bronze, purple, and red in autumn. Fall color intensity varies with the season and site on the Front Range.
- Is Compact Oregon grape native to Colorado?
- No. It is not a Colorado native, but it grows well on the Front Range.
- Is Compact Oregon grape deer-resistant?
- Compact Oregon grape is generally considered deer-resistant, though no plant is deer-proof when browse pressure is high.
- Is Compact Oregon grape a good firewise plant near the house?
- Compact Oregon grape is suitable in defensible-space zones 2–3, best kept back from the house rather than in the area right against the structure. This is general suitability guidance based on CSU Extension firewise plant lists, not a guarantee that any plant won't burn, a well-irrigated, well-maintained plant is the goal. Follow CSU Extension defensible-space guidance and check with your local fire district before planting in the wildland-urban interface.
