Mahonia × media 'Charity'

Mahonia × media 'Charity' is an upright evergreen shrub with large, glossy, dark green leaves made up of spiny, holly-like leaflets. From November to March it produces long spikes of pale yellow flowers at the tips of the stems, with a sweet scent similar to lily of the valley. The flowers are a useful source of nectar for bees on mild winter days and are followed by clusters of deep purple berries that birds enjoy. It grows well in shade and makes a strong focal point in a winter border.

It flowers in the depths of winter, when very little else does, and the scent carries on a still day. The bold leaves give structure all year, and it copes with shady spots where many shrubs struggle. The spiny foliage also makes it useful as a deterrent along boundaries.