With fine, feathery foliage, youll hardly recognize this exquisite mahonia.
SOUTHERN LIVING PLANT COLLECTION / Mark Sandlin
Mahonias are statelyshrubsbeloved for their easy care and adaptability.
Despite its delicate appearance, ‘Soft Caress’ mahonia is as rugged as its coarser-leaved cousins.
Credit:SOUTHERN LIVING PLANT COLLECTION / Mark Sandlin
Plants tolerate heat and drought as well as poor soil, provided they have good drainage.
Many mahonias bloom earlier in Southern gardens, and ‘Soft Caress’ is no exception.
Plants flower late fall into winter in the Deep south, and mid-winter in cooler regions.
The yellow blossoms stand in elegant, upright sprays atop the foliage and attract a variety of pollinators.
Clusters of frosty blue, berry-like fruits follow the blooms.
The showy fruits attract hungry songbirds.
Here is what you better know about growing and caring for ‘Soft Caress’ mahonia in the South.
‘Soft Caress’ also performs well in containers where it pairs well with heuchera and golden carex.
Light
‘Soft Caress’ thrives in dappled sun.
It tolerates full morning sun but benefits from afternoon shade.
Plants also perform well under full shade, but flowering may be reduced.
Water
Mahonias are drought tolerant once established but prefer consistent moisture.
Water plants deeply and regularly during the first year as roots establish.
Container-grown plants require more frequent irrigation.
Mulching around the base of the plant will help retain soil moisture and modify soil temperatures.
Fertilizer
Feed plants in early spring with a balance (e.g.
10-10-10) fertilizer according to label rates.
The species originates in central and southern China.
There are currently no other cultivars ofBerberis eurybracteatacommercially available.
Early fall or early spring are ideal times to plant mahonia.
Space plants three feet apart for mass planting.
Use a wider spacing when planting as an accent.
‘SoftCaress’ mahonia needs well-draining alkaline soil.
Amend soil with compost to improve drainage and adjust pH as needed prior to planting.
Water potted plants well before transplanting to prevent roots from drying out during the planting process.
Dig a planting hole 2-3 times as wide as the root ball.
This allows you to spread the root system.
Gently remove your ‘Soft Caress’ plant from its pot and loosen the roots.
Plants can be thinned every three or four years to promote lush new growth.
Remove any damaged or broken limbs when you notice them.
Strive to provide at least two to four hours of sun each day.
Pruning at the wrong time of year can also reduce flowering.
Mahonias bloom on the previous seasons growth, commonly called old wood.
Pruning plants after the flower buds have formed removes potential blooms.
Overwintering
‘Soft Caress’ mahonia planted in the ground can tolerate temperatures down to 0F.
This is best addressed through site selection at planting time.
Potted plants are not as well insulated against the cold and can be damaged when temperatures drop below 25F.
In areas with colder winters, potted mahonia can be overwintered indoors in a warm location with indirect light.
Propagating ‘Soft Caress’ Mahonia
‘Soft Caress’ mahonia is patent-protected and cannot be propagated.
The evergreen foliage and yellow blooms provide a warm winter welcome in porch planters.
Select frost-proof containers if plants will be wintered outdoors.
Be sure containers have drainage holes and select a potting mix that promotes drainage.
Container-grown mahonias perform best with morning sun and afternoon shade or filtered light all day.
Fertilize potted mahonia with a water-soluble fertilizer according to label directions from spring through mid-summer.
Plants are rather pest-resistant, though can be affected by leaf spots or rust on occasion.
Watering plants at the base, rather than overhead watering, can help prevent these foliar diseases.
If problems do occur, remove and dispose of infected foliage.
Fungicide treatment is seldom needed.
Site plants where they will be protected from cold northerly wind.
Mahonia plants do not perform well with too much water or on poorly drained soil.
Excess water can cause leaves to droop or drop.
Adjust irrigation practices accordingly.
