Winter Sun, by which I mean Mahonia x media 'Winter Sun'. This popular garden plant is one of a number of hybrids derived from the Asian Mahonias; most likely a cross of M. japonica and M. lomariifolia. 

 The writer/gardener Val Bourne has noted that it originates from the Slieve Donald Nursery in Northern Ireland circa 1984 as did M. x media 'Charity' back in the 50s. She makes the point that hardy bee-pollinated hybrids began to appear when Asian Mahonias were grown over here. Some of the original species are tender in UK conditions but the garden varieties are pretty darn tough.

 The North American Mahonia aquifolium (which is very hardy) is a low growing suckering shrub that flowers in spring but the Asian relatives are winter flowering and upright to four or five metres tall. Bumblebees will come out of hibernation to forage on them when they get a whiff of the scent.

 M. aquifolium is known as the Oregon Grape for its blue berries in autumn which are edible and this common name is sometimes applied to Mahonia in general. In his book 'Creating a Forest Garden' Martin Crawford states that the fruits of all Mahonia species are edible. I would add the caveat that when a plant has been cultivated as an ornamental one has no way of knowing if it is 'organic' i.e. there may be traces of pesticides, herbicides etc. Personally I would let it grow for at least a year or two before treating it as edible.

 However I saw this healthy looking specimen on a market stall and was happy to buy it for aesthetic reasons. I have a spot in mind under a large Sycamore in the back garden of my flat in London. Mahonia is a genus known for thriving in shade so a bit of Winter Sun is most welcome.