Oregon grape

The Oregon grape is the toughest and most accommodating of all the mahonias, able to grow virtually anywhere and survive the hardest winter. The basic species, introduced from North America in 1823, is widely grown beneath taller shrubs and trees, as well as for its own sculptural beauty. 'Apollo' is a handsome, low-growing and dense variety, spreading freely like all aquifoliums by creeping roots and suckers. Its foliage is deep bronze-green with red stalks, turning an opulent shade of bronze-red in winter, and with large heads of bright yellow spring flowers. The Royal Horticultural Society has given it its Award of Garden Merit (AGM).