Mahonia 'Soft Caress' (3 Gallon)

Mahonia ‘Soft Caress’ (3 Gallon)

Whispers of Green, Grace in the Shade — A Woodland Treasure for Every Garden

At Wright’s Market, we hold a deep appreciation for plants that offer quiet beauty—those graceful varieties that thrive in tucked-away spaces and surprise you with their elegance season after season. Mahonia ‘Soft Caress’ is just that kind of gem. With its fern-like foliage, soft texture, and bright yellow blooms, it brings woodland charm and peaceful presence to shaded corners of the garden.

🌿 A New Take on an Old Favorite

Traditionally, mahonias have been known for their bold, spiky leaves—but ‘Soft Caress’ changes everything. This award-winning variety was introduced by PlantHaven and celebrated with the 2013 Plant of the Year award at the Chelsea Flower Show. With its fine, feathery foliage and compact form, it offers a refined, gentle take on a classic Southern shrub.

🌳 Where It Grows Best

‘Soft Caress’ thrives in USDA zones 7 to 9, making it ideal for our Southern gardens. It prefers part to full shade and moist, well-drained soil, where it can offer structure and elegance in spots that are often overlooked. Whether nestled beneath tall pines, along a garden path, or in a quiet backyard nook, this mahonia brings texture and interest where little else dares to grow.

📏 Compact & Graceful

With a tidy shape of 3 to 4 feet tall and wide, ‘Soft Caress’ is perfect for foundation plantings, woodland edges, or shady beds near the porch. In late fall and early winter, delicate yellow flower spikes rise above the foliage, offering a gentle pop of color and attracting pollinators when the rest of the garden rests.

🌼 Easygoing and Elegant Care

• Water regularly during dry periods, especially in the first year after planting.

• Pruning is rarely needed—just a light trim after blooming if you'd like to shape it.

• A layer of mulch helps conserve moisture and keep roots cool in summer.

• Feed in early spring with a slow-release, balanced fertilizer.

Why We Love It:
Mahonia ‘Soft Caress’ is the kind of plant that brings quiet joy—its lacy foliage dances in the breeze, and its winter blooms arrive like little lanterns in the shade. It’s a thoughtful addition to family gardens, peaceful backyards, and gathering spaces that honor beauty in every season.

Add ‘Soft Caress’ to your garden and let its gentle grace bring calm, color, and a sense of home to your landscape.