{"product_id":"soft-caress-mahonia","title":"Soft Caress Mahonia","description":"\u003cp\u003eSoft Caress Mahonia (Mahonia eurybracteata 'Soft Caress' PP20183) from the Southern Living Plant Collection is a truly exceptional \u003cstrong\u003eshade\u003c\/strong\u003e plant! Chinese Mahonia was introduced years ago, and provided a solution for shaded gardens everywhere. However, the sharp foliage of the Chinese Mahonia requires gloves or a particularly careful touch, which makes pruning difficult. The \"Soft Caress\" removes this potentially painful aspect of the Mahonia entirely, with its\u003cstrong\u003e soft feather-like foliage\u003c\/strong\u003e. The greenery resembles a fern frond type of growth pattern, and sprouts richly colored leaves that can range from \u003cstrong\u003elight green to a dark blue-green\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEarly in Winter, this variety develops brilliant and \u003cstrong\u003efragrant yellow flowers\u003c\/strong\u003e that crown the evergreen foliage. Following the blooms are clusters of silver-blue berries that are an unexpected change of pace for this one-of-a-kind, fascinating plant.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt reaches a mature size of \u003cstrong\u003e3' H x 3.5' W\u003c\/strong\u003e. Because of its\u003cstrong\u003e dwarf\u003c\/strong\u003e size, it won't go wild and take over your landscape. Meanwhile, a\u003cstrong\u003e naturally compact\u003c\/strong\u003e nature will leave pruning completely optional.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTry it in a mass planting in a shaded spot you don't want to worry about maintaining.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFurthermore, it's perfect for Asian-inspired gardens. Otherwise, try it as a short border in a shade garden, or as an accent in a container planter. You really can't go wrong with this Mahonia!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSoft Caress Mahonia Care\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHardy in \u003cstrong\u003eUSDA Zones 7-9\u003c\/strong\u003e, down to 0° Fahrenheit when established.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne of the most attractive aspects of the Soft Caress Mahonia is its ability to thrive in both \u003cstrong\u003ePart Sun and Part Shade\u003c\/strong\u003e, an unusual feat for most flowering shrubs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlant in well-draining acidic soil for best results. Alkaline soils may lead to an iron deficiency and yellowing leaves. Therefore, planting in acidic to neutral soil is important.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWater 2-3 times a week during the first growing season. After your plant has a couple growing seasons under its belt, supplemental watering is only necessary in times of intense heat and drought.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFertilize in early spring with a balanced, slow-release acidic plant fertilizer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eRecommended Companion Plants for the Soft Caress Mahonia\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTry this variety with some other shade-friendly plants, like the \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.plantsbymail.com\/products\/evercolor-everillo-carex\"\u003eEverillo Carex\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.plantsbymail.com\/products\/florida-sunshine-illicium\"\u003eFlorida Sunshine Anise\u003c\/a\u003e. Both of these varieties have bright golden foliage that really brightens up shady spots. The \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.plantsbymail.com\/products\/mountain-snow-pieris\"\u003eMountain Snow Pieris\u003c\/a\u003e also handles shade well and features some gorgeous white bell-shaped blossoms in early spring.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFor partial shade plantings, consider planting it with some \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.plantsbymail.com\/collections\/hydrangeas\"\u003eHydrangeas\u003c\/a\u003e, such as the \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.plantsbymail.com\/products\/big-daddy-hydrangea\"\u003eBig Daddy Hydrangea\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.plantsbymail.com\/products\/endless-summer-bloomstruck-hydrangea\"\u003eBloomstruck Hydrangea\u003c\/a\u003e. Their wide leaves and large rounded blooms contrast beautifully this Mahonia's feathery foliage.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStill looking for inspiration? Check out these \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/southernlivingplants.com\/garden-plans\/article\/design-your-secret-garden\"\u003eShade Garden Ideas\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\"Is Soft Caress Mahonia deer-resistant?\"\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTraditional Mahonia are very deer resistant because of their thorny nature. The Soft Caress does not have thorns, therefore, it is not as deer resistant. However, it's not a deer's favorite snack. They will likely only nibble at it if other food is scarce.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\"Why is my foliage turning yellow?\"\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eYour soil pH may be too high\u003c\/strong\u003e. When this happens, it can create an iron deficiency in your plant because it's unable to absorb nutrients properly. The result is that leaves may turn yellow and fall off over time. Pick up a soil pH test and take a sample from the base of your plant, several inches deep. If it shows up decently over a pH of 7, you should consider supplementing your soil with a soil acidifier, such as elemental sulfur.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eYour Mahonia might be getting too much sun\u003c\/strong\u003e. Mahonia can handle some sun very well, in fact, they look great with a couple to a few hours of direct sun. However, they aren't Full Sun plants. If yours are getting too much direct sunlight, they'll fade to a yellow-green to yellow and eventually, the plant might expire. Move them or figure out a way to give them more shade.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\"Why isn't my Mahonia flowering?\"\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMahonia can bloom from late fall to late winter, depending on the weather you're having and where it's planted. So our first suggestion would be to consider that it hasn't gotten around to it yet, or it may have bloomed already if you recently bought the plant. However, if fall and winter came and went without any flowers, there's likely something else at play. Dehydration is a common cause for a lack of flowers. Ensure that your plant is staying properly hydrated throughout the year. They need water to produce flowers and will often drop their flower buds if they are dehydrated for too long.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0838\/7638\/0976\/files\/soft-caress-mahonia-mixed-garden-bed-scaled.jpg?v=1770663486\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0838\/7638\/0976\/files\/Soft_Caress_Mahonia_Close_Up.jpg?v=1759759246\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0838\/7638\/0976\/files\/3_PS_Lomandra_Platinum_Beauty_Instagram_1.jpg?v=1770663486\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0838\/7638\/0976\/files\/119_SLPC_Mahonia_Soft-Caress-_1.jpg?v=1759759097\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0838\/7638\/0976\/files\/119_SLPC_Mahonia_Soft-Caress-_2.jpg?v=1759759097\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0838\/7638\/0976\/files\/Soft-Caress-Mahonia-Foliage.jpg?v=1759759097\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0838\/7638\/0976\/files\/Soft-Caress-2G-Foliage-scaled.jpg?v=1770663485\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0838\/7638\/0976\/files\/Soft-Caress-Mahonia-Close.jpg?v=1770663486\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0838\/7638\/0976\/files\/2g-soft-caress-mahonia-clipped.jpg?v=1770663486\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0838\/7638\/0976\/files\/Soft_Caress_Mahonia_3G_Clipped.jpg?v=1759759097\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0838\/7638\/0976\/files\/Soft-Caress-Mahonia-3G-Dimensions.jpg?v=1759759097\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0838\/7638\/0976\/files\/Soft_Caress_-2G-Dimensions.jpg?v=1770663546\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Southern Living Plant Collection","offers":[{"title":"2.5 Quart","offer_id":48369418010869,"sku":"4126Q","price":19.79,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"2 Gallon","offer_id":48369418043637,"sku":"41262","price":25.59,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"3 Gallon","offer_id":48369418076405,"sku":"41263","price":33.59,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0789\/8274\/2261\/files\/Mahonia_Soft_Caress.jpg?v=1783271141","url":"https:\/\/nortrano.com\/products\/soft-caress-mahonia","provider":"nortrano","version":"1.0","type":"link"}