Creeping Oregon Grape
Best resilient ground cover for low maintenance gardens.
The Creeping Oregon Grape, also known as the creeping barberry, is an evergreen, prostrate shrub native to western North America. It forms dense mats that spread wide while remaining low-growing. This adaptable plant thrives in conditions ranging from full sun to heavy shade and is drought tolerant. During the coldest months, its leaves take on lovely pastel-pink hues. In early spring, it produces small, sweetly-scented yellow flowers, followed by clusters of small, blue-purple berries in late summer or fall. These berries are edible and can be used for preserves, jams, and beverages, offering a tart yet delicious flavor when cooked.
$27.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
925
/ 3331
#925 in Bushes & Shrubs
Price vs Category Average
-31%
Below average
Botanical Name
Mahonia repens
/ Mahonia repens
Who it's for
- Gardeners seeking continuous landscape interest and low-maintenance beauty.
- Eco-conscious individuals and those in arid climates desiring hardy plants.
- Nature lovers and gardeners aiming to support local ecosystems.
Who should skip it
- Families with young children or pets, and gardeners preferring soft-textured plants.
- Impatient gardeners or those needing rapid groundcover solutions.
- Gardeners with heavy clay or alkaline soils, or those avoiding soil modification.
Performance breakdown
Environmental Adaptability
Thrives effortlessly in everything from deep shade to intense sun.
Maintenance Requirements
Drought tolerance makes this a true set-it-and-forget-it landscape staple.
Seasonal Visual Interest
Dynamic foliage shifts from deep green to pastel pink throughout winter.
Edible Yield Potential
Tart berries offer a rewarding harvest for jams and artisanal beverages.
Ground Cover Density
Forms a robust, low-growing mat that effectively suppresses unwanted weeds.
Native Hardiness
Well-adapted to North American climates with impressive cold-weather resilience.
Key Specs
Botanical Name
Mahonia repens
Mature Height
1-2 feet
Mature Spread
Several feet wide
Bloom Time
Early spring
Flower Color
Yellow
Foliage Type
Evergreen
Sun Exposure
Full Sun to Heavy Shade
Drought Tolerant
Yes
Features
- Adaptable to various light conditions
- Drought tolerant for low maintenance
- Evergreen foliage provides year-round interest
- Sweetly-scented yellow flowers in spring
- Edible blue-purple berries in fall
- Low-growing, dense mat habit
- Native to Western North America
- Foliage turns pastel-pink in cold weather
What customers say
Customers consistently praise this plant for its remarkable hardiness and ease of establishment. Many highlight how well the specimens arrive, often thriving quickly after planting with minimal effort. The robust nature of the plants received contributes significantly to a positive experience, making it a favored choice for ground cover. Its ability to adapt and flourish in various conditions without extensive care is a recurring point of satisfaction, underscoring its quality and straightforward integration into diverse garden settings.
Know before you buy
This shrub has a prostrate, mat-forming habit and can spread several feet wide. Because it grows low to the ground, it is best used as a groundcover or for erosion control in areas where it has room to expand.
Yes, the Creeping Oregon Grape is highly adaptable and thrives in conditions ranging from full sun to heavy shade. It is an excellent choice for filling in dark, difficult spots in your garden where other shrubs might struggle.
Yes, the blue-purple berries produced in late summer are edible. While they have a tart flavor when raw, they are delicious when cooked into jams, jellies, or beverages.
As an evergreen, this plant provides interest year-round. During the coldest months of the year, the leaves shift from their standard green to attractive pastel-pink hues.
It is a low-maintenance, drought-tolerant plant once it has settled into your garden. Its ability to handle various light conditions and its hardy nature make it a reliable choice for gardeners looking for minimal upkeep.
The Creeping Oregon Grape is hardy down to USDA Zone 5a, meaning it can withstand temperatures as low as -20 degrees Fahrenheit. It is well-suited for cold climates within its native range.
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$27