‘Mahonia eubracteata ‘Soft Caress,’ or the ‘Soft Caress Mahonia’ is a mahonia variety unlike any other. While its lovely cousins feature spiny leaves with sharp, thorny margins that may detract somewhat from their appeal, the feathery-soft, airy foliage of ‘Soft Caress Mahonia’ can be easily brushed against without any fear of discomfort. In fact, the beautiful, lacy, fern-like leaves almost beg to be touched.

Multiple bamboo-like leaves are arranged alternately on each side of gently arching, thornless stems, forming a shrub 3-5 feet tall and 4 feet wide. In early fall, ‘Soft Caress Mahonia’ produces elegant sprays of sunny yellow flowers atop the evergreen foliage.

The delicate blossoms, irresistible to bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators, are gradually replaced by clusters of frosty or deep blue, berry-like fruits. The plump, juicy fruits are particularly attractive to visiting songbirds, especially the delightful Cedar Waxwing.

Perennial within USDA hardiness zones 6-11, ‘Soft Caress Mahonia’ makes a wonderful understory planting beneath Japanese maples or other shade trees. It thrives in deeply shaded areas where ferns are usually the first “go-to” plants, and its bamboo-like foliage makes it the perfect selection for an Asian-inspired garden. This shrub can be relied on to deliver exceptional color and intriguing texture to partially shaded landscapes year-round.

‘Soft Caress Mahonia’ flourishes in woodland gardens and delivers remarkable texture and contrast alongside wider-leaved plants, such as hostas and farfugiums. This mahonia is exquisite in decorative patio containers and especially alluring in combination with deep red heucheras or dwarf loropetalums, with the addition of ‘Creeping Jenny’ or ‘Silver Falls’ dichondra dripping over the edges. ’

‘Soft Caress Mahonia’ was described as a species in 1901. It was first collected by Ozzie Johnson, who traveled for 30 years across Asia collecting unique plant seed. The patented ‘Soft Caress’ cultivar was designated ‘Plant of the Year’ for its superior foliage and compact habit, becoming the 2013 first-place winner of the Royal Horticultural Society’s renowned ‘Chelsea Flower Show.

To read about the proper planting and care of ‘Soft Caress Mahonia,’ on PlantTAGG®