MAHONIA E. SOFT CARESS (H)

Description and General Information

• Botanical Name: Mahonia eurybracteata ‘Soft Caress’ (H)

• Common Name: Soft Caress Mahonia

• Plant Type: Evergreen shrub, part of the Berberidaceae family, notable for its delicate, spine-free foliage.

• Growth Habit: Compact, mounding form, typically reaching 1–1.2 m in height with a similar spread.

• Foliage: Finely divided, narrow leaves that resemble fern fronds, offering a lush, tropical appearance without sharp spines.

• Flowers: Bright yellow, fragrant flower clusters bloom from late summer through autumn, bringing a vibrant splash of colour to shaded gardens.

• Berries: Sometimes followed by attractive blue-black berries, adding winter interest.

• Seasonal Appeal: Evergreen foliage for year-round structure, autumn flowers for late-season colour, and occasional berries for seasonal variety.

• Uses: Ideal for shaded beds, woodland gardens, mixed borders, and large containers.

• Wildlife Benefits: Nectar-rich flowers attract bees and other pollinators; berries may attract birds.

• Hardiness: Fully hardy in most UK and Irish gardens; retains leaves through winter in all but the harshest conditions.

Planting Conditions and Ideal Location

• Light Requirements: Best grown in partial to full shade; morning sun is tolerated but avoid strong afternoon heat.

• Soil Preferences: Fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soils are ideal.

• pH Range: Neutral to slightly acidic, though it will adapt to a wider range if drainage is good.

• Moisture Needs: Prefers consistently moist soil; avoid prolonged dryness or waterlogging.

• Planting Time: Spring or early autumn planting is best, allowing the root system to establish before extreme temperatures.

• Spacing: Allow at least 1–1.2 m between plants to enable natural spread.

• Shelter: Choose a sheltered location to protect foliage and blooms from harsh winds.

• Companion Planting: Works well alongside Hosta, Heuchera, Ferns, Camellia, and Pieris for layered texture in shaded spaces.

• Container Growing: Excellent for large decorative pots; use a loam-based compost with added organic matter and ensure proper drainage.

Routine Care, Feeding, and Seasonal Maintenance

• Watering:

  • Keep soil evenly moist during establishment.

  • Water regularly during prolonged dry spells, especially in summer.

• Feeding:

  • Apply a slow-release balanced fertiliser in spring to support lush foliage and flowering.

  • Mulch annually with organic matter to enrich the soil.

• Pruning:

  • Minimal pruning is required; remove spent flower stems and any damaged or weak growth after flowering.

  • Light shaping can be done in late winter or early spring if desired.

• Mulching:

  • Apply a 5–8 cm layer of mulch in spring to help retain soil moisture, regulate temperature, and suppress weeds. Keep mulch away from the plant’s crown.

• Pest and Disease Resistance: Generally trouble-free, though poor air circulation can sometimes lead to powdery mildew.

• Winter Care: Fully hardy; in colder regions, apply a protective mulch around the base for extra root insulation.

• Flower Protection: If an early frost threatens during flowering, cover with fleece to prevent bud damage.

• Weed Control: Keep the area around the base weed-free to reduce competition for nutrients and water.

• Longevity: A long-lived, low-maintenance shrub that provides dependable structure and beauty year after year.

• Size
  25-30

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

Click & Collect

Can’t wait for delivery? Why not try our FREE Click & Collect service? Simply make your purchase online and collect it from our store located in Croagh Co. Limerick. Our staff will contact you by phone when your order is ready for collection (Please allow 24 hours minimum). When collecting your item, call the store on 069-64084. We will then load into your car as required. This service is available in-store 9am – 6pm Monday – Saturday (No collections on Sundays)

Click here for more information about our shipping conditions.

You can pay your online order either by credit card or via Paypal.
If you have any further questions about the online order payment please contact us via ­069 640 84 or mail.