Mahonias are a handsome group of shrubs from the barberry family, with large leaves composed of at least three, to many, holly-like leaflets; they bear flowers in bunches of spikes with many small yellow flowers, often sweetly scented. Cool-climate shrubs, they require a sunny aspect and well-drained, fertile soil with adequate water. In warmer climates they do better in shade or part-shade.They seldom need pruning, but old canes can be cut out at ground level.Propagate from cuttings, basal suckers or seed.