By Spudge
United Kingdom 
Hi there
I live in Scotland on a north facing. I currently have a mahonia which does well in the conditions. I would like to plant some mahonias in some large wooden containers. Could anyone recommend a variety(ies) that may lend themselve to a nice spreading shape?
24 Feb, 2013
Keeping any Mahonia in a north facing aspect will keep it compact and bushy. They get leggy in full sun but you can prune them to keep them bushy.
Mahonia 'Winter Sun' and 'X media' looks good now.
Mahonia 'caress' is still difficult to get and is soft unlike other Mahonia which can cause deep cuts.
24 Feb, 2013