Plant identity needed.

[Darwin.]

I had this abandoned at the side of the house, it got moved when I was digging the driveway. I'm not sure what it is but it doesn't look too healthy. I potted it in some good compost with slow release food then watered it well with some liquid food so hope it survives.

[veggiechicken]

Looks like a Mahonia, Darwin. Spiky leaves?

[zazen999]

Crikey, do they need that much food?

It's a mahonia though.

[veggiechicken]

Tough as old boots! I have one in a pot but dislike its spikiness so much that I can't bring myself to plant it out. Can't throw it away either

[Darwin.]

Very spiked leaves. I thought they were discoloured because it was hungry so u fed it. The liquid feed should give it a little boost now and the slow release stuff will look after it long term. That's the plan anyway.

[veggiechicken]

The leaves change colour in winter!

[Darwin.]

That would explain it. I don't have to worry about it now so.

[SarzWix]

I think mahonia extract, topically applied, is supposed to be good for psoriasis? Good to see you back Darwin, where've you been hiding?

[WendyC]

The wood inside is a vivid yellow. A surprise when you are pruning!

[Jardiniere]

i love mahonia ...such a lovely perfume ...not seen one for sale here yet...still looking...need some spiky plants.

[Darwin.]

I think I have it about two years but it was on an overgrown bank at the side if the house so never really saw it. I was told today that they flower but I've never noticed because it was out of sight.

I've been flat out with my gardening and a bit of study. I've planted 26 more trees since I was last on.

[Two_Sheds]

A mahonia: they can survive in very poor soil. They do flower, though they aren't pretty flowers, and it produces edible berries.


A mahonia has just won Chelsea's Plant of the Year

[ploshkin]

Mahonia is loved by honeybees as it flowers when there is little else available for them.

[Darwin.]

It is? I love bees so I'm glad to hear that.