How to Grow Mahonia 'Charity'
Wikimedia Commons
Mahonia 'Charity'
Mahonia × media 'Charity'
shrubMahonia 'Charity' is a striking evergreen shrub prized for its fragrant, deep yellow flower spikes that bloom in winter and early spring. It features attractive pinnate foliage and distinctive blue-black berries that follow the flowers. This hybrid mahonia is a sophisticated ornamental that provides structure, color, and fragrance during the dormant season.
When should you plant Mahonia 'Charity' in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Mahonia 'Charity' timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
-
Plant Mahonia 'Charity'
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
-
Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
-
Harvest Mahonia 'Charity'
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Mahonia 'Charity' dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 7-9; hardy to zone 6b with protection
Sign up free to see if Mahonia 'Charity' grows in your zone — and get a personalized planting timeline.
Get my Mahonia 'Charity' timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment
First 6-12 monthsYoung shrub is establishing root system; foliage is fresh green with new pinnate leaves emerging
Water regularly to keep soil moist; mulch around base; avoid fertilizing heavily in first year; provide shelter from harsh winds
Vegetative Growth
Year 1-3Shrub develops structure and fuller canopy; leaves are deep green and glossy; no flowers yet
Light pruning to shape; maintain consistent moisture; feed with balanced fertilizer in spring; mulch to suppress weeds
Pre-flowering
Autumn (September-November)Flower buds begin forming in autumn; tight terminal clusters visible; plant reaches mature form
Reduce nitrogen fertilizer to encourage flowering; maintain good drainage; light watering acceptable as dormancy approaches
Flowering
December-March depending on climateFragrant, bright yellow flower spikes (racemes) emerge from branch terminals; flowers are sweetly scented
Do not prune during flowering; ensure adequate moisture to support blooming; protect from severe frost if in zone 6b
Fruiting & Post-flower
April-May and beyondBlue-black berries develop where flowers were; birds consume berries; plant returns to foliage focus
Remove spent flower spikes after bloom if desired for tidiness; allow berries to persist for wildlife; resume regular feeding schedule
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
-
Improve air circulation through pruning; remove affected leaves; apply sulfur-based fungicide if severe; avoid overhead watering
-
Remove affected foliage; prune for air circulation; apply fungicide if widespread; maintain dry foliage
-
Increase humidity; spray foliage with water; apply insecticidal soap if needed; avoid excessive fertilizer
-
Spray with water to dislodge; use insecticidal soap; encourage natural predators like ladybugs
Uses
Winter Fragrance & Color
OrnamentalMahonia 'Charity' is valued as a winter ornamental, providing bright yellow fragrant flowers when most gardens lack color. The blooms are intensely scented and attract attention during the quietest season. [source]
Bird Food Source
WildlifeThe blue-black berries that follow flowering provide important winter and spring food for birds. Many species, particularly thrushes and other winter foragers, depend on mahonia berries. [source]
Cut Flowers & Arrangements
HouseholdThe fragrant flower spikes are excellent for winter bouquets and arrangements, lasting several weeks in water and filling homes with rich, sweet fragrance. [source]
Evergreen Structure & Screening
LandscapeAs an evergreen shrub with dense foliage, Mahonia 'Charity' provides year-round structure, privacy screening, and architectural interest in gardens. Its height (8-10 feet) makes it excellent for focal points and backgrounds. [source]
Traditional Herbal Use
CulinaryRelated mahonia species have been used traditionally to make preserves and medicinal preparations from berries and bark. The berries contain compounds used in herbal medicine traditions, though 'Charity' berries are rarely harvested commercially. [source]
Harvest Tips
While not a culinary plant, berries can be observed and photographed for enjoyment, ripening to blue-black in spring. Collect berries if desired for seed propagation. Cut flower spikes for winter bouquets before full maturation; they're intensely fragrant indoors. Avoid harvesting more than 30% of flowering growth.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Mahonia 'Charity' is a hybrid between Mahonia lomariifolia and Mahonia napaulensis, and was bred in the 1950s at Sunningdale Nurseries in England, earning its name for its generous winter flowering display.
- 🌱 The flowers are intensely fragrant with a honey-like, spicy-sweet scent that carries considerable distance through the garden; the fragrance is strongest on warm days despite the winter blooming period.
- 🌱 All parts of the mahonia plant contain berberine, a bitter alkaloid compound traditionally used in herbal medicine; the berries are sometimes used by foragers to make jams and dyes.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.
Get your personalized Mahonia 'Charity' planting timeline
Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start Mahonia 'Charity' seeds, transplant seedlings, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Includes calendar reminders and printable task lists. Free to start.
Get my Mahonia 'Charity' timeline →