Tall bare mahonia

Q: I have a mahonia which was planted about five years ago. It now has a tall, bare stem and looks horrible. How can I make it more bushy?


A: Mahonia aquifolium is usually naturally bushy, and needs no pruning to maintain a low, compact shape. But if it develops bare stems or an unpleasant shape you can cut it back hard, to 15cm (6in) high in spring, after flowering. Mahonia ‘Charity’ and other similar types, with upright stems and a ‘ruff’ of spiny leaves, have a naturally leggy habit and often do not branch much, ending up looking a bit like palms. Fortunately, you can easily remedy this with pruning. March is the perfect time to do this. Just cut the plant back as hard as you wish, anywhere from 30-90cm (1-3ft) high, either with secateurs, loppers or a saw and new shoots will be produced and, after two years, you will have a much better plant with more flowers. Do not be alarmed at the yellow wood – this is natural.