MAHONIA eur. Soft Caress

Description and General Information

• Botanical Name: Mahonia eurybracteata ‘Soft Caress’

• Common Name: Soft Caress Mahonia

• Plant Type: Compact evergreen shrub in the Berberidaceae family.

• Growth Habit: Mounding and graceful, typically reaching 1–1.2 m in height and spread.

• Foliage: Unique, narrow, spine-free leaves with a soft, fern-like texture, making it a standout choice for gardens where a gentle look is preferred.

• Flowers: Bright yellow, lightly fragrant flower clusters bloom from late summer into autumn, bringing a burst of colour to shaded areas.

• Berries: May produce attractive blue-black berries in winter after flowering.

• Seasonal Interest: Evergreen foliage ensures year-round structure; flowers provide late-season colour when many plants are fading.

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

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

• Hardiness: Fully hardy in the UK and Ireland; maintains foliage year-round.

Planting Conditions and Ideal Location

• Light Requirements: Thrives in partial to full shade; tolerates morning sun but should be protected from intense afternoon heat.

• Soil Preferences: Prefers fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soils.

• pH Range: Neutral to slightly acidic; adaptable to a range of soils provided drainage is good.

• Moisture Needs: Consistently moist soil is best; avoid drought and waterlogging.

• Planting Time: Best planted in spring or early autumn to allow establishment before temperature extremes.

• Spacing: Plant 1–1.2 m apart to accommodate natural spread.

• Shelter: Select a location sheltered from strong winds to protect foliage and flowers.

• Companion Planting: Pairs beautifully with Hosta, Heuchera, Ferns, Camellia, and Pieris for layered planting in shaded spots.

• Container Growing: Performs well in large pots; use a loam-based compost with added organic matter and ensure excellent drainage.

Routine Care, Feeding, and Seasonal Maintenance

• Watering:

  • Keep soil evenly moist during the first 1–2 years to help establish roots.

  • In prolonged dry spells, water regularly, especially in summer.

• Feeding:

  • Apply a slow-release balanced fertiliser in spring to promote strong growth and flowering.

  • Mulch annually with organic matter such as compost or well-rotted leaf mould.

• Pruning:

  • Minimal pruning required—remove spent flower spikes and any damaged stems after flowering.

  • Light shaping can be carried out in late winter or early spring if necessary.

• Mulching:

  • Apply a 5–8 cm mulch layer in spring to retain soil moisture, regulate temperature, and suppress weeds. Avoid direct contact with stems.

• Pest and Disease Resistance: Generally pest-free and resistant to most diseases; ensure good airflow to prevent mildew in humid conditions.

• Winter Care: Fully hardy, but younger plants benefit from a protective mulch around the base in very cold regions.

• Frost Protection for Flowers: If early frost is forecast during bloom, cover with horticultural fleece to protect buds.

• Weed Control: Keep base area free from weeds to reduce competition for water and nutrients.

• Longevity: A long-lived, dependable shrub that provides evergreen beauty and seasonal colour with minimal maintenance.

• Size
  3 Litre

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.