The various cultivars of Mahonia x media flower in late autumn/early winter. 'Charity' and the appropriately named 'Winter Sun' are two of the most popular. Hybrids of M. japonica and M. lomariifolia their genes tell them to flower now which is handy for gardeners trying to defy the season.

 Bumblebees will seek them out on milder days and even honey bees. These photos were taken last weekend but since then sub-zero temperatures have arrived.