Soft Caress Mahonia
Mahonia eurybracteata 'Soft Caress'
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Shrub
Height
36 inches
Width
42 inches
Light
Partial Sun, Shade
Zones
6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Medium
Humidity
Prefers moderate humidity
Lifespan
20+ years
Native To
China (species)
Toxicity
Berries are mildly toxic if ingested
The Story
Plant Bio
Mahonia are evergreen shrubs known for their architectural, often spiny, holly-like leaves and fragrant, bright yellow flowers that bloom in fall or winter. They add dramatic texture to the shade garden. 'Soft Caress' is a revolutionary, award-winning cultivar that completely lacks spines. It features delicate, ferny, thread-like foliage, offering a soft texture unlike any other Mahonia. Fragrant yellow flower spikes appear in fall, followed by ornamental silvery-blue berries.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
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Planting
How to Grow
- Select a site with part shade or full shade and well-drained soil.
- Amend the soil with compost to add richness and improve drainage.
- Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball.
- Set the plant in the hole with the crown at soil level.
- Backfill with amended soil and water deeply.
- Maintain consistent moisture, especially during the first year.
Pro Tip
Protect from harsh afternoon sun and drying winter winds to prevent foliage burn and ensure the plant looks its best year-round.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Provide a location with morning sun or dappled shade.
- Plant in rich, acidic, well-drained soil.
- Water regularly during dry periods.
- Protect from harsh winter winds in colder zones.
Don't
- Don't plant in hot, direct afternoon sun.
- Avoid planting in heavy, waterlogged clay soil.
- Do not let the soil dry out completely.
- Refrain from heavy pruning; it rarely needs it.
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Mulch | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Prune |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Soft Caress Mahonia questions
What zones can Soft Caress Mahonia grow in?
Soft Caress Mahonia is hardy in USDA Zones 6–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Soft Caress Mahonia deer resistant?
Yes — Soft Caress Mahonia is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Soft Caress Mahonia bloom?
Soft Caress Mahonia typically blooms in early fall through late winter. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Soft Caress Mahonia need full sun?
Soft Caress Mahonia does best in part shade.
Is Soft Caress Mahonia drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Soft Caress Mahonia handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
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Grow Soft Caress Mahonia with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
