Oregon Grape is grown for its foliage and the structure it brings to a planting. Notably, it shrugs off deer, shrugs off dry spells, and grows just as well in a container as in the ground. Its late spring flowers are a real draw for honeybees and native bees.
Zones
Data not available
pH Range
5-7
Sun
Part Sun
Days to Maturity
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Score Oregon Grape on your exact land.
Zone averages can't see the slope, soil, frost, and sun that decide whether oregon grape actually takes — and those shift from one yard to the next. Enter your address and we'll score oregon grape against your land's real conditions.
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What Oregon Grape is
Oregon Grape grows as a perennial and reaches around eight feet at maturity. It blooms yellow in late spring. It's also deer-resistant and well suited to containers.
How to grow Oregon Grape
Oregon Grape does best in part sun — at least 4 hours of direct sun a day — and soil from pH 5 to 7, on well-drained ground. It needs a growing season of at least 120 frost-free days and about 400 hours of winter chill, which is why climate matters as much as soil.
USDA Zones
Data not available
USDA PHZM 2023
Soil pH
5 - 7
USDA PLANTS Database
Sun
Part Sun
plant_species_v5.csv
Drainage
well (dry spells)
plant_species_v5.csv
Mature Height
8 ft
plant_species_v5.csv
Chill Hours
400+
plant_species_v5.csv
Frost-Free Days
120+
plant_species_v5.csv
Start the season right
Plant oregon grape in part sun with at least 4 hours of direct sun, once the soil has warmed and frost risk has passed.
Match the soil
Oregon Grape prefers pH 5 to 7 (USDA PLANTS Database). A quick soil test from your local Extension lab tells you whether to add lime or sulfur to land in band.
Water steadily
Keep the root zone evenly moist through establishment. A 2–3 inch mulch layer holds moisture without waterlogging.
Keep it in good form
Prune oregon grape to shape as it grows; the reward is its foliage and structure, not a harvest, so steady upkeep is the whole job.
Good to know
One caution for pet owners — oregon grape is toxic to dogs and cats (mild severity). Keep it out of reach, and call ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 in an emergency. (Source: ASPCA.)
Oregon Grape is a standout pollinator plant — high value to bees and other pollinators. (Source: Xerces Society, Pollinator Partnership.)
Where Oregon Grape thrives
Whether oregon grape thrives on a given site comes down to its soil pH, drainage, sun, and frost dates — the conditions that vary parcel to parcel.
See if Oregon Grape will thrive on your land
Zone averages are a start. Your exact soil pH, drainage, sun exposure, and frost dates shape whether oregon grape actually takes — we score it against the real conditions at your address.
Three things about your exact spot that zone averages miss:
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I grow Oregon Grape in my zone?
Zone data for oregon grape is being finalized. A Growable Ground report checks your parcel's full suitability against federal soil, climate, and zone data.
When should you plant Oregon Grape?
Most growers plant oregon grape after the last spring frost, once the soil has warmed, leaving enough of the season for its 120-day frost-free need. Your local frost dates set the exact window — a Growable Ground report reads them for your address.
How much sun does Oregon Grape need?
Oregon Grape does well in partial sun — around 4 hours of direct sun, and it takes some afternoon shade in stride. That flexibility makes it a good match for a bed the house or a nearby tree shades for part of the day. A Growable Ground report maps how the sun actually falls on your land, hour by hour, so you can set it where the light lines up.
What soil does Oregon Grape need?
Oregon Grape prefers soil pH 5 to 7, on well-drained ground (USDA PLANTS Database). Your report scores your parcel's actual soil against that using USDA SSURGO data.
Does Oregon Grape attract pollinators?
Yes — oregon grape's flowers are a strong nectar and pollen source for honeybees and native bees (Xerces Society, Pollinator Partnership).
Is Oregon Grape safe for pets?
Oregon Grape is toxic to pets (dogs,cats) with mild severity. Keep it out of reach, and call ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 in an emergency.