Mahonia Soft Caress - Mahonia hybrid

Mahonia eurybractea 'Soft Caress', also known as Mahonia confusa, is a new creation. It is a bush ahead of its time. It combines in its dark branches an exotic and fragrant note of mimosa, the delicate design of a fern, and the sturdiness of a conifer. Its soft foliage is adorned with pale-yellow flowers from September to November, then with black fruits with silver reflections that remain decorative for a long time. This small, evergreen shrub adapts, slowly, to all fresh soils, but it requires deep shade or partial shade to flourish. It also stands out in large pots on a terrace, away from the scorching sun.

Mahonia eurybractea 'Soft Caress' belongs to the Berberidaceae family. It is a hybrid obtained by cross-breeding different Asian species, including Chinese species. In nature, these plants grow in the shade of forests and undergrowth, and in thickets on rocky slopes up to 2000 m (6561.7 ft) altitude. This shrub has a compact, spreading and low habit, reaching 1 m (3.3 ft) in height in 10 years, with a spread of 150 cm (59.1 in). Its growth is quite slow. Its foliage is exceptional: its extremely long leaves measure up to 25 cm (9.8 in) long, and are divided into narrow dark olive green leaflets. Unlike other Mahonia, this variety has no thorns. This shrub blooms from September to November, displaying beautiful pale lemon-yellow, fragrant flowers, followed by blackish-blue berries with silver reflections (4 mm to 6 mm (0.16 in to 0.2 in) in diameter) that ripen from November to March. Birds are fond of them. Humans can consume the berries once they are cooked; they make excellent jellies.

Mahonia eurybractea 'Soft Caress' is a shade or partial shade plant, perfect for Asian or exotic inspired gardens, but also for the sleek designs of modern gardens. This plant completely renews the use that could be made of Mahonia. Create an unusual scene with nandinas, ferns, and fritillaries. Its soft foliage allows it to be planted in a pot on the terrace, without fear of getting scratched. However, ensure any pots are placed in the shade. In winter, the foliage can be used to make beautiful bouquets, but it is best to avoid picking when there is a hard frost.