Soft Caress Mahonia

Light Needs

Partial Shade to Partial Sun

(3 - 6 Hours Of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

3 Feet

Mature Spread

3.5 Feet

Growing Zones

7 to 9

Soft Caress Mahonia (Mahonia eurybracteata ‘Soft Caress’) is a compact, evergreen shrub prized for its finely textured, bamboo-like foliage and low-maintenance beauty. Unlike other mahonias with sharp, spiny leaves, Soft Caress features soft, slender foliage that is gentle to the touch, making it perfect for family-friendly gardens. In early winter, clusters of fragrant bright yellow flowers bloom above the foliage, followed by attractive blue berries that provide seasonal interest and food for wildlife. This shade-loving shrub is ideal for containers, mass plantings, borders, and informal hedges, adding year-round texture and color to the landscape.

Soft Caress Mahonia Care

Plant in well-drained, acidic to neutral soil and water regularly to establish a strong root system. Continue watering weekly, and increase frequency during periods of extreme heat or drought. Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring to promote healthy foliage and blooms. Prune lightly in winter after the flowers have faded to maintain shape and encourage fresh growth. Mulching around the base will help retain soil moisture and protect the roots.

Soft Caress Mahonia Growth & Spacing

This evergreen shrub typically grows 3 to 4 feet tall and wide, making it an excellent choice for smaller gardens or tight spaces.

• Shrub borders and mass plantings: Space 4 to 5 feet apart, center to center

• Informal hedges: Space 3 to 3.5 feet apart for a fuller appearance

• Containers: Choose a pot at least 14–16 inches wide with good drainage

Why Grow Soft Caress Mahonia?

• Unique soft-textured foliage unlike other mahonias

• Bright yellow winter flowers followed by ornamental blue berries

• Compact evergreen habit, perfect for shade gardens and small spaces

• Low-maintenance, deer-resistant, and wildlife-friendly

• Excellent for containers, hedges, or naturalized plantings

Soft Caress Mahonia is a versatile, low-maintenance shrub that brings year-round beauty with its elegant foliage, winter blooms, and ornamental berries. A perfect choice for shaded landscapes, it provides texture, color, and seasonal interest in any garden design.