Mahonia Darkstar Creeping Oregon Grape
Best low-maintenance groundcover for gardeners seeking year-round color and deer resistance.
Discover the Mahonia Darkstar Creeping Oregon Grape, a resilient evergreen shrub celebrated for its striking purple foliage that intensifies in cooler weather. This low-spreading variety creates dense coverage, ideal for groundcover or mass plantings. In spring, it graces the landscape with bright yellow flowers, followed by attractive blue-black fruit clusters. It thrives in filtered sun to partial shade and tolerates dry conditions once established, making it a low-maintenance and visually appealing choice for various garden settings. Its unique trailing habit and year-round color add lasting beauty to any outdoor space.
$54.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
34
/ 2598
#34 in Bushes & Shrubs
Price vs Category Average
+40%
Above average
Brand
Monrovia Growers
/ Monrovia Growers
Who it's for
- Eco-conscious gardeners supporting early-season native pollinators
- Gardeners seeking consistent structure and color in winter landscapes
- Busy homeowners wanting low-effort, deer-resistant shade coverage
Who should skip it
- Gardeners working with heavy, water-retaining clay soil
- Homeowners who prefer soft, touchable foliage near walkways
- Impatient gardeners looking for immediate, full-coverage groundcover
Performance breakdown
Groundcover Density
Trailing habit creates a thick, weed-suppressing mat with minimal effort.
Seasonal Interest
Dynamic foliage shifts color while providing flowers and fruit year-round.
Maintenance Ease
Hardy, drought-tolerant nature makes this a true set-and-forget landscape staple.
Shade Adaptability
Thrives in filtered light where many other flowering shrubs struggle.
Wildlife Appeal
Bright blooms and berries actively support local pollinator populations.
Pest Resistance
Reliably deer-resistant, keeping your garden safe from common browsing animals.
Key Specs
Brand
Monrovia Growers
Foliage Type
Evergreen
Mature Height
18 inches
Mature Width
42 inches
Hardiness Zone
5
Light Needs
Filtered sun, Partial shade, Partial sun
Water Needs
Moderate
Care Level
Easy
Features
- Striking purple foliage year-round
- Deer resistant and hardy
- Spreads for dense groundcover
- Tolerates dry shade when established
- Bright yellow spring flowers
- Showy blue-black fruit clusters
- Easy care and maintenance
- Attracts pollinators
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the exceptional quality of the Mahonia Darkstar upon delivery, noting the plants arrive healthy and well rooted. The primary theme is reliability; gardeners find this creeping Oregon Grape remarkably easy to establish and maintain, even in difficult shaded areas. Its robust nature and attractive dark foliage make it a highly valued, low effort groundcover solution, delivering excellent performance year after year.
Know before you buy
Since this variety reaches a mature width of 42 inches, you should space them approximately 3 feet apart to allow for dense, overlapping coverage without overcrowding.
Yes, it is well-suited for dry shade. It thrives in filtered sun or partial shade, making it an excellent choice for areas under tree canopies or on the north side of a building.
No, this plant is not considered pet-safe. It is best to plant it in areas where your pets do not typically graze or play.
It is a low-maintenance shrub. Once established, it is drought-tolerant and requires minimal intervention, though you may want to prune it occasionally if you need to control its trailing spread.
The foliage maintains a striking purple hue throughout the year, but the color intensifies significantly when the weather turns cooler.
This variety is deer resistant, making it a reliable option for landscapes where deer pressure is a common concern.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
Ready to buy?
$55