Mahonia × media ‘Winter Sun’ – A Bold Evergreen with Fragrant Winter Blooms
Mahonia × media ‘Winter Sun’ is a striking evergreen shrub that brings architectural presence, glossy foliage, and cheerful colour to the garden when little else is in bloom. From late autumn through winter, it produces tall spires of fragrant, bright yellow flowers that rise above dramatic, holly-like leaves. This low-maintenance, shade-tolerant shrub is perfect for adding winter interest, structure, and wildlife value to your garden.
Why Grow Mahonia ‘Winter Sun’?
Winter-Flowering Brilliance – From November through February, ‘Winter Sun’ bursts into bloom with upright clusters of bright yellow, delicately scented flowers that shine against the winter landscape, brightening even the darkest corners.
Fragrant Blooms – The citrus-scented flowers release a sweet fragrance on mild winter days, making it a delightful addition near entrances, pathways, or seating areas where the scent can be enjoyed up close.
Evergreen Structure & Texture – Large, glossy, spiny-edged leaves provide year-round structure and texture, offering a bold, tropical feel. It’s perfect as a standalone specimen or as part of a woodland-style planting.
Shade-Tolerant – Thrives in partial to full shade, making it ideal for woodland gardens, north-facing walls, or underplanting larger trees where many plants struggle to thrive.
Wildlife-Friendly – The winter flowers provide essential nectar for pollinators during the lean months, while the late-summer blue-black berries that follow are a food source for birds.
Planting & Care Guide
Position: Prefers partial to full shade, but will tolerate some sun if soil remains moist. Excellent for shaded corners, woodland gardens, or beneath taller trees and shrubs.
Soil: Grows best in moist but well-drained soil. Will tolerate a wide range of soil types, including clay, as long as drainage is adequate. Enrich with compost or leaf mould when planting.
Watering: Water regularly during establishment. Once mature, ‘Winter Sun’ is relatively drought-tolerant but benefits from occasional watering during prolonged dry spells.
Maintenance:
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Prune lightly after flowering to shape and remove any dead or damaged stems.
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Older plants can be rejuvenated by cutting back flowering stems to encourage new shoots from the base.
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Mulch in spring to conserve moisture and improve soil structure.
Perfect Plant Combinations
Mahonia ‘Winter Sun’ is a natural partner for other shade-loving, woodland-style plants like Hellebores, Ferns, Heuchera, and Pulmonaria. Underplant with spring bulbs such as Snowdrops and Cyclamen coum to extend seasonal interest. For contrasting foliage, combine with Hostas, Brunnera, or the fine texture of ornamental grasses like Hakonechloa. It also works well with evergreens such as Sarcococca and Skimmia to build layers of year-round structure and scent.
Whether used as a statement shrub, part of a mixed winter border, or in a shady courtyard, Mahonia ‘Winter Sun’ offers four-season appeal, wildlife benefits, and vibrant winter cheer when it’s needed most.
Does the height include the pot?
No, we measure from the top of the pot to the tip of the plant except for some of the instant planted screens, in this case it will be stated in the description
How long does delivery take?
Most orders are delivered in just a few days, Smaller items are often sent with Parcelforce on a next day service, Larger items should allow up to 10 days due to the size of the items they often have to be sent on our own transport.
Where will you leave my plants?
We will leave your order at the front of your property, Parcelforce may
leave your items in a safe place if you let us know, Pallet couriers
will require a flat hard surface to deliver to, no gravel or soil, a
driveway or parking spot would be best. Most importantly Deliveries by
pallet courier will require access for a large truck (bin lorry sized)
to get near the delivery point. Deliveries sent on our own transport may come in a small van or larger truck.