Mahonia Winter Sun

Price range: $49.99 through $115.99

Mahonia Winter Sun brightens the coldest months with fragrant golden-yellow flower clusters, bold foliage, and berries that feed winter wildlife, making it an eye-catching evergreen for shady gardens.

Product Category
Plant Type
Shrubs
SKU
N/A

Mahonia Winter Sun

Winter Sun Grapeholly, Mahonia × media 'Winter Sun', Hybrid Mahonia ‘Winter Sun’

Mahonia Winter Sun, also known as Winter Sun Grapeholly, is a stunning evergreen shrub celebrated for its bold, architectural form and vibrant winter display. From late fall through midwinter, it bursts into bloom with upright clusters of fragrant, golden-yellow flowers that bring brightness to otherwise quiet garden months. These flowers are followed by attractive grape-like clusters of blue-colored berries that persist into early spring, feeding birds and adding a striking contrast against the dark foliage.

The foliage of Winter Sun is equally captivating, offering deep green, glossy, and holly-like textures to the landscape. As cooler temperatures arrive, the leaves often develop rich red or bronze tints, adding an extra layer of color and seasonal interest. This combination of texture and color makes it a standout focal point in shaded borders or woodland gardens. Its sturdy form and year-round beauty make it as practical as it is ornamental.

Resilient and easy to maintain, Winter Sun thrives in partial shade with moist, well-drained soil. It’s a perfect choice for brightening shaded areas, softening walls and fences, or adding structure to mixed borders. Its tough nature, evergreen presence, and winter blooms make it a must-have for gardeners seeking four-season appeal.

Care Instructions:

Planting: Plant in moist, well-draining soil enriched with organic matter.
Sunlight: Prefers partial shade; tolerates full shade but will flower best with some morning sun.
Watering: Keep soil evenly moist during establishment; once established, water during prolonged dry periods.
Fertilizing: Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring to encourage healthy growth and flowering.
Pruning: Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape and remove any damaged or old stems.
Winter Care: Mulch around the base to protect roots in colder climates and retain soil moisture.
Companion Plants: Pairs beautifully with hellebores, ferns, camellias, and azaleas for a layered, shade-loving display.

Plant NameMahonia Winter Sun
Botanical / Alternative Name(s)Winter Sun Grapeholly, Mahonia × media 'Winter Sun', Hybrid Mahonia ‘Winter Sun’
Plant TypeShrubs
Hardiness Zone(s)7, 8, 9
Season of InterestEarly Spring, Fall, Winter
Plant Height8' – 10' (ft)
Plant Spread6' – 8' (ft)
Spacing5' - 7' (ft)
Water NeedsAverage
Maintenance LevelLow
Soil TypeClay, Loam, Sand
Soil PHAcid, Neutral
Soil DrainageMoist but Well-Drained
Bloom ColorYellow
Foliage ColorGreen, Red
CharacteristicsEvergreen, Fragrant, Fruit & Berries, Great Foliage, Showy, Flowering
TolerancesClay Soil, Cold, Deer, Drought, Frost, Heat, Rabbit
AttractsBirds, Pollinators
Garden UsesBeds and Borders, Mass Planting, Patio and Containers, Small Gardens, Specimen, Wall-Side Borders

Square Planting Pattern

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Triangular Planting Pattern

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Note: Actual plants needed may vary slightly.