Mahonia

(October 2011)

We want to move a leather leaf mahonia plant to another spot....when is the right time to do so?

Leatherleaf mahonias are pretty tough plants. I think they would be safe to move almost any time, but specifically during the dormant season – November through February would be ideal. Make sure they have a somewhat shady location.

(March 2010)

What are some, if any, evergreen flowers like gardenias that deer will leave alone?

Deer are definitely a problem in Arkansas gardens. We do have a list of deer resistant plants on our website, but if the deer get desperate for food, they occasionally eat some of these as well. Some flowering plants to try include: butterfly bush (Buddleia davidii), forsythia, winter jasmine (Jasminum nudiflorum), leucothoe, Oregon grape holly (Mahonia), oleander, flowering quince (Chaenomeles japonica) daphne, Japanese andromeda (Pieris japonica), spireas, oakleaf hydrangea and mock orange – (Philadelphus sp.).

(November 2005)

When the leaves fall from our many trees, a neighbor's storage building becomes visible. I would like to plant several tall evergreen bushes or trees so that the building would be screened from our view. I considered a berm, but it would have to be really tall for us not to see the building when in our home. Please suggest evergreen bushes or trees that would survive as under story plantings. Someone suggested a Mahoney, but I have been unable to locate these bushes.

I think you are referring to Mahonia. It would not grow tall enough to serve your purpose. What about Illicium - Florida anise, Cleyera, Wax Myrtle or Cherry Laurel? Depending on ultimate height, cherry laurel may be your best bet, since it does grow the tallest of the three, but all will do well as an under story plant.

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