Mahonia Winter Sun

Winter Sun

Mahonia × media ‘Winter Sun’ is an evergreen shrub with bold, holly-like, pinnate foliage and upright to arching spikes of fragrant bright yellow flowers that light up the garden in winter. It has a coarse, architectural habit and is especially valued for bringing strong texture, fragrance, and flower color to shady landscapes when little else is blooming. Blue-black berries may follow the flowers.

Type: Evergreen shrub
Mature Size: 4–5' W x 6–10' H
USDA Zones: 7a–9b
Form: Upright, coarse-textured, architectural, gradually spreading with age
Light: Part shade to shade; can take some sun if the soil does not dry out
Soil / Water: Moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil; regular water during establishment; somewhat drought tolerant once established
Bloom Time / Length: Winter to early spring; often November–March depending on climate
Wildlife: Flowers support pollinators, and the berries attract birds.

Features & Landscape Uses: Excellent for woodland gardens, shaded borders, winter-interest plantings, and as a specimen where its bold structure can be appreciated. Its fragrant yellow flower spikes stand well above the foliage, and the plant gives strong evergreen presence year-round. It works especially well in protected sites out of drying wind.

Care: Plant in part shade with well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. Water regularly while establishing, mulch to conserve moisture and protect roots, and avoid hot, exposed, droughty sites. Prune lightly after flowering if needed to shape or to remove older stems

Plant type

Flowering evergreen shrub

Height

6-10'

Width

4-5'

Hardiness zones

5–8

Sunlight

Full Sun, Partial Shade

Growth rate

Moderate

Bloom time

Late Winter

Leaf color

Dark Green

Fall color

White

Attracts

Birds, Hummingbirds

Soil

Humus rich, Moist well-drained

Landscape use

Accent Plant

Shape

Narrow Upright

Drought tolerant

No