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Mahonia Winter Sun

Ken carterKen carter Posts: 19
in Problem solving
Hello  I just purchased 2 of the above,should I use some Ericasious Compost or is Multi purpose  compost okay, Thanks, the small plants are about 12 inches in height, Many Thanks,  Ken.

Posts

  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 5,692
    edited October 2022
    @KenCarterMahonia doesn't need an Ericaceous compost. Are you planting them out in the garden? What is your soil like, best to check before spending a fortune on compost.
    I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
  • Pete.8Pete.8 Posts: 11,340
    edited October 2022
    I don't think they're too fussy.
    I have one in my garden I've been trying to prune to death without success over the years - it still returns.
    My garden soil is clay and only very slightly acid.
    If  they're going in pots long-term it's best to use a John Innes compost (No 3 or 2) and mix in about 20% grit to help with drainage.

    Billericay - Essex

    Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
    Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
  • Arthur1Arthur1 Posts: 542
    In my experience they will grow in anything half decent. Most handsome when planted out but I have grown them in pots for several years when I wanted a scented plant to move round the garden.
  • Ken carterKen carter Posts: 19
    Oh thats great news I am much obliged  , Ken
  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,090
    I planted a Winter Beauty 5 years ago in a semi shaded spot here in very poor soil amongst tree roots and which I improved with some potting as well as garden compost for nutrients and to improve the texture.   I watered it well through its first two summers here cos of drought.

    It has grown well and sturdy, despite losing its head when an overhanging branch came down in a storm.   It flowers well every winter and is perfumed then gives me dark blue berries and all this despite droughts every summer since and 3 stonking heatwaves just this year.

    They don't need cossetting as long as you look after them at the initial planting and for their first couple of growing seasons.
    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
    Plato
  • Ken carterKen carter Posts: 19
    Hi that's interesting Obelixx many thanks  cheers  Ken.
  • TheGreenManTheGreenMan Posts: 1,957
    I have two Winter Sun, two Firecracker and two Soft Caress and I just dug holes and popped them in. 

    Clay, slightly conditioned with manure. 

    They’re all doing really well. 

    I think they will grow pretty much anywhere. 
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