Fatsia japonica is another winter flowering shrub, this one is planted not far from the Mahonia described in my last entry. Apart from Gorse I can't think of any plants that grow in the wild in the UK that come into flower at this time of year (unless prompted by unusually mild conditions).     

 Over time a number of species like Fatsia and Mahonia have been introduced from other climes to add variety to the winter garden. They are hardy enough to withstand the weather and it remains in their DNA to flower when they do.

 The introduction of such plants has also had the effect of extending the season for pollinators. The Fatsia shown here for example was attracting many wasps (flies too). It has been suggested that the life cycles of some pollinators may be changing in response to warmer winters and the availability of out of season nectar.