Ironically, Mahonia bealei cultivars are displayed quite prominently at NCSU's J.C. Raulston Arboretum. And for good reason, their winter-flowering prowess is magnificent when you are tired of looking at camellias and Japanese apricots... As for the seeming inability for the species to self-sow in SW England, I also sense some climate (or photo-period) aspect being involved). ANY species of bee will frequent blooming leatherleaf mahonia if the temepratures are warm enough for wings to move...but, I sense any fruits do not have ample heat or daylength or something to fully mature. Flora_UK, do you actually see immature fruits at all? Or do they abort. I can't imagine birds would pluck the less nutritious green fruits off that quickly... And finally, while I respect Jay's opinion on being rather open-minded on plants that may act invasive, I do think something's a bit awry when someone is smitten about kudzu (and lives in the south and has accolades for it for several decades). Perhaps he makes a moonshine out of the leaves. Can you do the same for Oriental wisteria? I hope the release of these new, stinky kudzu beetles doesn't ruin your picturesque Carolina landscape of the famous exotic vine...

It depends the best time to prune is in the fall but if you don't mind a hacked bush through the summer you can prune after blooming.

January 2023. The Niwaki cloud pruning continues after I skipped last year somehow. What a difference six years of growth makes. A cloud pruning master I am not. I'm in no hurry to reach a final form and probably not brutal enough. I decided I wanted fluffier clouds. It is time to push the Fothergilla away from the Niwaki. They are getting crowded. That can wait until spring. I can dig a bunch of Fothergilla starts to plant elsewhere. I'm much better at herding cats.

If you want flowers this summer don't prune it at all now. And I've recommended on your third post about this garden that you stick to one thread so people can see the whole story and see your progress.