Soft Caress Mahonia
Botanical Name: Mahonia eurybracteata ‘Soft Caress’
Category: Shrub
Lifecycle: Perennial
USDA Zone: 6A – 10B
Sun Requirement: High Sun (4-6 hours per day), High Shade (1-2 hours per day)
Water Requirement: Medium
Soil: Loam
pH: Moderately Alkaline (7.9-8.4)
Height: 3 to 5 ft
Spacing: 3 to 6 ft
Spread: 3 to 4 ft
Growth Rate: Slow
Bloom Time: Late Fall/Early Winter
Bloom Color(s): Yellow
Leaf Shape: Lance
Leaf Arrangement: Alternate
Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Fruit: Edible to birds
Fruit Time: Late spring or early summer
Miscellaneous: Has thorns/spines/teeth, Tolerates poor soil
Plant Description:
‘Mahonia eubracteata ‘Soft Caress,’ or the ‘Soft Caress Mahonia’ is a mahonia variety unlike any other. While its lovely cousins feature spiny leaves with sharp, thorny margins that may detract somewhat from their appeal, the feathery-soft, airy foliage of ‘Soft Caress Mahonia’ can be easily brushed against without any fear of discomfort. In fact, the beautiful, lacy, fern-like leaves almost beg to be touched. Multiple bamboo-like leaves are arranged alternately on each side of gently arching, thornless stems forming a shrub 3-5 feet tall and 4 feet wide. In early fall, ‘Soft Caress Mahonia’ produces elegant sprays of sunny yellow flowers atop the evergreen foliage. The delicate blossoms, irresistible to bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators, are gradually replaced by clusters of frosty or deep blue, berry-like fruits. The plump, juicy fruits are particularly attractive to visiting songbirds, especially the delightful Cedar Waxwing. Perennial within USDA hardiness zones 6-11, ‘Soft Caress Mahonia’ makes a wonderful understory planting beneath Japanese maples or other shade trees. It thrives in deeply shaded areas where ferns are usually the first “go-to” plants, and its bamboo-like foliage makes it the perfect selection for an Asian-inspired garden. This shrub flourishes in woodland gardens and delivers remarkable texture and contrast alongside wider-leaved plants, such as hostas and farfugiums. This mahonia is exquisite in decorative patio containers and especially alluring in combination with deep red Heucheras or dwarf Loropetalums, with the addition of ‘Creeping Jenny’ or ‘Silver Falls’ dichondra dripping over the edges. ‘Soft Caress Mahonia’ was described as a species in 1901. It was first collected by Ozzie Johnson, who traveled for 30 years across Asia collecting unique plant seed. His company, known as ItSaul Plants, has cultivated and introduced more than 75 rare plants to the garden world. The patented ‘Soft Caress’ cultivar was designated ‘Plant of the Year’ for its superior foliage and compact habit, becoming the 2013 first-place winner of the Royal Horticultural Society’s renowned ‘Chelsea Flower Show.’ The genus, ‘Mahonia,’ is defined as “an evergreen shrub of the Barbery family native to eastern Asia.” The mother species of the ‘Soft Caress’ cultivar is ‘Mahonia eurybracteata.’ ‘Soft Caress Mahonia’ can be relied on to deliver exceptional color and intriguing texture to partially shaded landscapes year-round.
Propagation & Planting:
‘Soft Caress Mahonia’ thrives in moist, fertile, well-drained soil under dappled sun or full shade. It should receive no more than 2-4 hours of sunlight daily and requires afternoon shade. Although ‘Soft Caress Mahonia’ will tolerate short periods of dry soil once established, it prefers even moisture. The soil can be amended with compost for improved drainage, and this mahonia prefers an alkaline soil pH range of 7.9-8.4. A thick layer of mulch is beneficial at the time of planting. Container-grown plants are available from many local garden centers for planting in fall or spring. The planting hole should be as deep as the purchased container and three times as wide. The hole should be backfilled with existing soil and watered deeply. This mahonia should be spaced 3-6 feet away from other plants. Since ‘Soft Caress Mahonia’ is protected by a plant patent, it is illegal to propagate it from cuttings or layering because both methods result in exact duplicates. If grown from seed, the result is likely to be different from the parent due to cross-pollination. However, the shoots that form at the root crown can be divided in spring for transplanting.
Basic Care Instructions:
‘Soft Caress Mahonia’ flourishes in moist, well-drained soil under dappled shade and needs shelter from drying winds. This plant prefers even moisture and should be watered when the surrounding soil has dried.
Fertilizing Instructions:
Established plants may benefit from the spring application of a slow-release 10-10-10 fertilizer or a fertilizer specially formulated for shrubs and trees. A soil test is recommended to determine the existing nutrient levels in the soil. If the soil is lacking a specific nutrient, it can be amended with that nutrient rather than using an all-purpose fertilizer. It is important to carefully read and follow the directions on the product label before the use of fertilizer.
Pruning Instructions:
‘Soft Caress Mahonia’ can be pruned to maintain an attractive shape. Damaged wood should be removed in late winter.
Pests & Disease:
‘Soft Caress Mahonia’ is not typically affected by any serious pests or diseases.
