Mahonia Soft Caress #3

If you have a shady spot in your yard here in King, Mount Airy, or Winston-Salem that looks a little sad and boring, this plant is a total uplifter. Usually, when we hear about Mahonia, we’re talking about stiff, prickly leaves that bite back while weeding around them.

The 'Soft Caress' is different. It’s the first-ever thornless Mahonia. The foliage looks delicate—almost like bamboo, palm leaves, or a fern --and as the name implies, it is genuinely soft to the touch. You can plant this right next to your patio seating or front walkway without worrying about snagging clothes or scratching a leg.

Beyond the texture, this is a wonderful option for the Piedmont Triad shade garden. While everyone else’s yard is going dormant in late fall and early winter, this plant wakes up. It sends up bright, lemon-yellow spikes of flowers that look like little candles glowing in the shade.

Why we recommend them for NC Piedmont Triad yards:

• Soft Foliage: It gives you that high-end, tropical texture without the "ouch" factor. It’s safe for kids, pets, and clumsy gardeners.

• Winter Cheer: Just when the days get short and grey (usually November through January), this plant bursts with bright yellow blooms, followed by cool silver-blue berries.

• Deer Resistant: This is a big one for our area. While no plant is 100% deer-proof, Mahonia is rarely on the menu, making it a safer bet for unfenced backyards.

• Shade Solution: It thrives in those tricky spots where grass won't grow—underneath the canopy of large oak trees or on the north side of your house.

Best Used For: Adding texture to shade gardens, Asian-inspired landscapes, woodland borders, and decorative containers (it looks great in a pot by the front door).

The Mahonia 'Soft Caress' is a compact grower, usually staying around 3–4 feet tall and wide. It prefers part to full shade and well-draining soil. For more scientific details on how this award-winning variety grows, check out the NC State Extension Plant Toolbox entry 'Mahonia eurybracteata' or come chat with us at the nursery.