Mahonia eurybracteata subsp. ganpinensis 'Soft Caress'
ABOUT
'Soft Caress' is a plant that features a unique and visually striking appearance. Unlike its relatives with spiky leaves, this variety has slender, spine-free foliage. The leaves are long, thin, and bamboo-like, presenting in a soft blue-green hue that gives them a delicate and inviting texture. These leaves radiate out from the center of the plant in a graceful, arching manner. Throughout the year, the leaves maintain their lush appearance, providing a constant visual interest, with their texture contributing to the plant's common name, 'Soft Caress'. Come fall, the plant bursts into color with inflorescences of bright yellow flowers. These flowers are small and clustered, appearing on slender, upright racemes that stand out against the foliage. After the flowering period, the plant produces bluish-black berries that add another layer of visual appeal. The overall appearance of 'Soft Caress' is both elegant and exotic, with a soft, feathery look that can complement a variety of garden settings.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Soft Caress Mahonia, Eurybracteata 'Soft Caress'.
Common names
Mahonia eurybracteata 'Soft Caress'
ToxicityTo humans
The 'Soft Caress' Mahonia, as with other Mahonia species, contains alkaloids that can be toxic to humans if ingested. These alkaloids can cause mild to severe symptoms, depending on the amount consumed. Symptoms of Mahonia poisoning may include nausea, vomiting, lethargy, and low blood pressure. In severe cases, it can lead to respiratory failure and other life-threatening conditions. It is recommended that humans avoid ingesting any part of the 'Soft Caress' Mahonia, including the berries, despite their resemblance to edible fruits.
To pets
The 'Soft Caress' Mahonia is toxic to pets, including dogs and cats. Like in humans, the plant contains alkaloids which can cause symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, weakness, and low blood pressure if ingested by pets. In severe cases, ingestion of 'Soft Caress' Mahonia could lead to more serious health issues such as difficulty breathing, tremors, seizures, and potentially death. Pet owners should ensure their pets do not consume any part of this plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
3 feet [0.9 meters]
Spread
3 feet [0.9 meters]
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
7
Native area
China
Benefits
General Benefits- Low Maintenance: 'Soft Caress' Mahonia requires minimal care once established, making it ideal for busy gardeners.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, it has a good tolerance to drought conditions, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Deer Resistant: The plant is not a preferred choice for deer, making it suitable for gardens in areas with deer populations.
- Compact Size: Its smaller size compared to other Mahonia species makes it suitable for limited spaces and underplanting.
- Evergreen Foliage: The year-round foliage offers visual interest even in the winter months.
- Texture: The fern-like leaves add an interesting texture to garden plantings.
- Shade Tolerance: 'Soft Caress' Mahonia can thrive in shaded areas where other plants might struggle.
- Non-Invasive: Unlike some other Mahonia varieties, 'Soft Caress' is not known to be invasive.
- Enhances Biodiversity: The flowers provide nectar for pollinators, supporting local ecosystems.
- Landscape Versatility: Can be used in various design contexts, including containers, foundation plantings, and woodland gardens.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- As a textile dye: The berries of 'Soft Caress' can be crushed to produce a natural dye for fabric, offering hues from light yellow to greenish blue depending on the mordant used.
- Ink production: Similar to dye, the juice from the berries can be used to make a natural ink for drawing or writing, which adds a rustic charm to the artwork or calligraphy.
- Leather tanning: The tannins found in the bark and leaves of 'Soft Caress' can be used in small-scale or traditional leather tanning processes.
- Photography: Plant extracts from 'Soft Caress' can be used in the process of creating plant-based photographs, also known as anthotypes, which use photosensitive materials from plants.
- Garden sculpture: Due to its interesting form and texture, 'Soft Caress' can be pruned and maintained as living garden sculptures or topiaries, adding an artistic touch to the landscape.
- Bioindicator: 'Soft Caress' could potentially be used as a bioindicator plant, helping to signal soil conditions or the presence of certain air pollutants (excluding carbon dioxide) due to its sensitivity to environmental changes.
- Educational tool: This plant can be utilized in educational settings, such as schools or botanical gardens, to teach about plant taxonomy, evolution, and plant care techniques.
- Culinary presentation: Although the plant is not edible, its leaves can be used to add visual appeal to dishes in high-end culinary presentations, acting as a decorative non-toxic garnish.
- Floral arrangements: The foliage of 'Soft Caress' can be used in floral arrangements to add contrast and texture, complementing flowers with its unique leaf shape.
- Sound garden element: The rustling of the slender leaves of 'Soft Caress' when the wind blows through them can be used to create a calming auditory experience in a sound garden or therapeutic landscape.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Soft Caress Mahonia is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Soft Caress Mahonia is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Protection: The Mahonia plant, commonly known as Oregon Grape, has spiny leaves resembling holly. This feature has been associated with protection, as the spines can ward off negative forces or animals.
- Healing: Oregon Grape is known for its medicinal properties, including the use of its roots and bark to treat various ailments. Symbolically, it can represent healing and the restoration of health.
- Resilience: The plant's capacity to thrive in various conditions and its evergreen nature symbolizes resilience and the ability to persist through challenges.
- Prosperity: With its grape-like berries, Oregon Grape may also symbolize abundance and prosperity, mirroring the plant's generous production of fruit.
WaterThe 'Soft Caress' Mahonia should be watered regularly to keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged. During the growing season in spring and summer, watering might be necessary once or twice a week depending on the climate and soil drainage. Approximately one gallon per week may be sufficient, but always check the top inch of soil for dryness before watering again. Reduce watering frequency in the fall and winter when the plant is dormant. It's important to water deeply to encourage root growth, allowing the water to reach the root zone of the plant.
Light'Soft Caress' Mahonia prefers partially shaded conditions but can tolerate full shade. The ideal location is where the plant receives dappled sunlight or morning sun followed by afternoon shade. Avoid placing it in direct, harsh sunlight as it can damage the foliage of the plant.
Temperature'Soft Caress' Mahonia fares well in a temperature range of 0 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. It can tolerate temperatures down to about 0 degrees Fahrenheit without serious harm, making it suitable for USDA hardiness zones 7 through 9. The ideal growing conditions for this plant would be in an area with mild summers and cool winters, avoiding extreme temperature fluctuations.
PruningPrune 'Soft Caress' Mahonia to maintain its shape and remove any dead or damaged branches. The best time for pruning is late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. It generally requires minimal pruning and can be done annually or as needed to keep the desired form and promote healthy growth.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for 'Soft Caress' Mahonia is well-draining, with a mix of two parts garden soil, one part peat moss, and one part perlite or coarse sand. This plant prefers a slightly acidic to neutral pH, ranging from 5.5 to 7.5.
Repotting'Soft Caress' Mahonia should be repotted every two to three years or when it becomes root-bound. The best time to repot is in the spring or fall.
Humidity & Misting'Soft Caress' Mahonia thrives in moderate humidity levels around 50%. It is not overly sensitive to humidity but benefits from a stable environment.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light; avoid dry air and drafts.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade; shield from intense afternoon sun.
Hardiness zone
7-9 USDA
Life cycleThe life of 'Soft Caress' Mahonia (Mahonia eurybracteata subsp. ganpinensis 'Soft Caress') begins with seed germination, which occurs in a moist, well-draining soil mix, ideally in spring or summer. After germination, the seedling stage involves the initial development of leaves and a root system. As the plant grows, it enters the vegetative stage, producing its characteristic pinnate, soft foliage and gaining height and width. Upon reaching maturity, which can take a couple of years, 'Soft Caress' Mahonia develops small, fragrant yellow flowers during fall, attracting pollinators such as bees. After flowering, if pollination occurs, the plant produces dark blue to purple berries which can be dispersed by birds, thereby initiating new plant growth elsewhere. Finally, the plant continues to go through a yearly cycle of growth, blooming, and senescence, with an average lifespan that may range from several years to over a decade under optimal conditions.
PropogationPropogation time
Late summer to early fall
Propogation: The 'Soft Caress' Mahonia, with its graceful foliage and compact size, can be propagated primarily through softwood cuttings, which is a popular method among many gardeners. The best time to take cuttings for propagation is in late spring or early summer when new growth is just beginning to harden but is still flexible. When taking a cutting, choose a healthy stem of about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) long, making sure it includes at least two sets of leaves. The cut should be made just below a leaf node, as this is where the rooting hormone can be most effectively applied to encourage root development. The leaves on the lower half of the cutting should be removed, and the cut end dipped in rooting hormone before being placed in a well-draining potting mix. The cutting should then be kept in a warm, humid environment out of direct sunlight until roots have established, which typically takes a few weeks. Regularly checking for water and maintaining the right environment will help ensure success in growing a new 'Soft Caress' Mahonia plant.
