Holly grapes are excellent for use near foundations and in shrub borders. How To Grow Mahonia Holly grapes prefer light shade and moist soil but will also grow in the sun except in very hot, dry areas. Holly grapes are rarely bothered by pests but should be planted in a sheltered place in northern areas to prevent winter winds from dehydrating foliage. To control size, prune tall canes to the ground in early spring. Buds for the following spring form in summer, and are decorative all fall and winter.
Andromedas are effective planted in a border or singly on a lawn.
Native to central and southern Japan where it has traditionally been a favorite for tea gardens and temple gardens. Japanese andromeda is a broad-leaved evergreen shrub with handsome foliage and graceful flowers. Japanese gardeners often plant it in groups, either under large trees or beside rocks. Andromedas become 8 to 12 feet tall and have pleasantly curving branches. After the blooms fade, new pink-green buds form and remain on the bushes until the following spring, giving the plants the appearance of being in bloom throughout most of the year.