Soft Caress Mahonia, or Mahonia eurybracteata, from the Southern Living Plant Collection is a truly exceptional shade plant! Chinese Mahonia was introduced years ago, and provided a solution for shaded gardens everywhere. However, the sharp foliage of the Chinese Mahonia requires gloves or a particularly careful touch, which makes pruning difficult. The ‘Soft Caress’ Mahonia removes this potentially painful aspect of the Mahonia entirely, with its soft feather-like foliage. The greenery resembles a fern frond type of growth pattern, and sprouts richly colored leaves that can range from light green to a dark blue-green.
Early in Winter, the Soft Caress develops brilliant and fragrant yellow flowers that crown the evergreen foliage. Following the blooms are clusters of silver-blue berries that are an unexpected change of pace for this one-of-a-kind, fascinating plant.
The Soft Caress reaches a mature size of 3′ H x 3.5′ W. Because of its dwarf size, it won’t go wild and take over your landscape. Meanwhile, a naturally compact nature will leave pruning completely optional.
Try it in a mass planting in a shaded spot you don’t want to worry about maintaining.
Furthermore, the Soft Caress Mahonia is perfect for Asian-inspired gardens. Otherwise, try it as a short border in a shade garden, or as an accent in a container planter. You really can’t go wrong with this Mahonia!
Soft Caress Mahonia Care
Hardy in USDA Zones 7-9, down to 0° Fahrenheit when established.
One of the most attractive aspects of the Soft Caress is its ability to thrive in both Part Sun and Full Shade, an unusual feat for most flowering shrubs.
Plant in well-draining soil for best results. Alkaline soils can lead to an iron deficiency and yellowing leaves. Therefore, planting in acidic to neutral soil is necessary.
The Soft Caress Mahonia has medium water requirements, and will require supplementary watering 2-3 times a week while establishing. After your plant has a couple growing seasons under its belt, supplemental watering is only needed in times of intense heat and drought.
Fertilize in early spring with a balanced, slow-release acidic plant fertilizer.
Spacing Your Soft Caress Mahonia
For a seamless planting, plant your Soft Caress Mahonia 2.5-3 feet apart. Otherwise, space them 3.5+ feet apart for space between plantings.
Articles:
3 Ways To Use ‘Soft Caress’ Mahonia In Your Garden
Shade Garden Ideas featuring Soft Caress
From Olympia, WA –
Beautiful Mahonia/Oregon Grape that is fun to touch and looks like it is from the tropics. Plant had a little bit of a rough trip from AL to WA as it was December, but seems to be settling in well and looks ready to bloom.
Anonymous –
I ordered Mahonis ‘Soft Caress’. They were perfectly packed for safe delivery. Not a leaf was out of place! Good job!
CLAIRE STRICKLAND –
FAST DELIVERY. PLANT IN EXCELLENT CONDITION AND A WONDERFUL SIZE FOR POT. WILL ORDER PLANTS AGAIN.
Sue Lopez –
The plants arrived promptly and in perfect condition. I would highly recommend Plants by Mail.
Connie –
Arrived quickly and are very healthy!
Corrine –
plants arrived quickly and in superb packaging. Healthy plants
Sheila –
Ordered Soft Caress Mahonia & Marvel Mahonia. I was so pleased with size & condition of plants. They were well established & good size! I will be ordering from them again.