Shiny Mahonia Repens

Q: I love mahonia repens for its durability in Colorado. I spread the seeds to increase growth to new areas. I have one seedling that is doing very well which appears varnished. In contrast to all others, it is very shiny. Are there any cultivars of this plant exhibiting glossiness, or do I have something special?

A: It could be just genetic variation when growing plants from seed but I would inspect the new growth and under the leaves more closely looking for aphids. They produce a liquid that coats the leaves with a clear, sugary, shiny, sticky sap. You may also notice ants and wasps favor that plant as it’s a food source for them. Ants are known to carry aphids from one plant to another to establish herds which they “milk” for the sweet liquid. If you find aphids, try using a strong steam of water to dislodge them and rinse off the shiny coating. If they persist, a very mild insecticide like Safer or diluted Dr Bronner’s liquid soap will typically do the trick.

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Read our Q & As with Keith Funk answering common Colorado gardening questions here. You can also hear him on the Garden Wise Radio Show