MAHONIA 'Soft Caress'

Description and General Information

• Botanical Name: Mahonia eurybracteata ‘Soft Caress’

• Common Name: Soft Caress Mahonia

• Plant Type: Evergreen shrub with elegant, fine-textured foliage and striking yellow blooms.

• Growth Habit: Compact and mounding; typically reaches 1–1.2 m in height and 1–1.5 m spread, making it perfect for smaller gardens or containers.

• Foliage: Unique, fern-like leaves without spines—soft to the touch, unlike traditional mahonias.

• Flowers: Clusters of bright yellow, lightly fragrant blooms in late summer through autumn, adding colour when few other plants flower.

• Seasonal Interest: Year-round green foliage, autumn flowers, and occasional decorative blue-black berries.

• Garden Uses: Works well in shaded beds, woodland gardens, mixed borders, or large containers.

• Wildlife Benefits: Flowers attract bees and other pollinators; berries may appeal to birds.

• Hardiness: Hardy in most of the UK and Ireland; evergreen in mild winters.

Planting Conditions and Ideal Location

• Light Requirements: Prefers partial shade to full shade; tolerates morning sun but avoid intense afternoon heat.

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

• pH Range: Neutral to slightly acidic is best, though adaptable to a range of conditions.

• Moisture Needs: Consistent moisture is important, particularly during establishment and in hot, dry weather.

• Planting Time: Best planted in spring or early autumn, allowing roots to establish before extreme weather.

• Spacing: Allow at least 1–1.5 m between plants for good air circulation and growth.

• Shelter Needs: Benefits from a sheltered position to protect foliage from harsh winds.

• Companion Planting: Pairs beautifully with Hosta, Heuchera, Ferns, and Camellia for layered texture in shade gardens.

• Container Growing: Excellent choice for a large decorative pot; use a loam-based compost with added organic matter.

Routine Care, Feeding, and Seasonal Maintenance

• Watering:

  • Water regularly in the first two years to help roots establish.

  • In prolonged dry periods, especially in summer, provide deep watering once a week.

• Feeding:

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

  • Top-dress with compost or well-rotted manure annually.

• Pruning:

  • Minimal pruning needed; remove spent flower spikes and any dead or damaged stems after flowering.

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

• Mulching:

  • Apply a 5 cm layer of organic mulch in spring to conserve moisture and suppress weeds, keeping it clear of the base of the plant.

• Pest and Disease Resistance: Generally trouble-free, though may occasionally be affected by powdery mildew in poor airflow.

• Winter Care: Fully hardy; in colder regions, a thick mulch over the root area helps protect from extreme frost.

• Frost Protection for Flowers: Late-season flowers are generally frost-tolerant, but young buds may be protected with fleece during early cold snaps.

• Weed Control: Keep the surrounding soil clear to minimise nutrient competition.

• Longevity: A long-lived shrub that maintains its structure and evergreen foliage year-round, offering reliable garden interest.

• Size
  10L

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.