Overview
Mahonia media 'Winter Sun' is a bushy, upright, spreading shrub in the genus Berberis, part of the Berberidaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Mahonia media 'Winter Sun' grows best in full shade, partial shade and full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include screening, groundcover and border structure.
About
Mahonia media 'Winter Sun' is an evergreen shrub cultivar within the Berberis genus, known for its bushy, upright, and spreading habit. It thrives in a variety of light conditions, from full shade to full sun, and adapts well to different soil types including chalk, clay, loam, and sand, with a preference for moist but well-drained to well-drained soils. Hardy to UK zone H5, this versatile plant suits both exposed and sheltered locations and can be used effectively for screening, groundcover, or as a border structure. Propagation is possible through seed or semi-hardwood cuttings.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Berberis × hortensis
About the genus
Berberis, commonly known as barberry, is a large genus of deciduous and evergreen shrubs from 1–5 m tall, found throughout temperate and subtropical regions of the world. Species diversity is greatest in South America and Asia, but native species also appear in Europe, Africa, and North America.
Wikipedia contributors, "Berberis", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Berberis
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Berberis
- Sunlight
- Full shade, Partial shade, Full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, North-facing, East-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Mahonia media 'Winter Sun' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Shrub
- Habit
- Bushy, Upright, Spreading
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Screening, Groundcover, Border structure
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Mahonia media 'Winter Sun'
- Propagation
- Seed, Semi-hardwood cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Mahonia media 'Winter Sun'?
Mahonia media 'Winter Sun' prefers full shade, partial shade and full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Mahonia media 'Winter Sun' need?
Mahonia media 'Winter Sun' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to well-drained.
Is Mahonia media 'Winter Sun' hardy in the UK?
Mahonia media 'Winter Sun' has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Mahonia media 'Winter Sun'?
Seed, Semi-hardwood cuttings.
