Maintenance Landscaping Design

Mahonia eurybracteata soft caress is an evergreen shrub that is perfect for gardens in USDA hardiness zones 7-9. This low-maintenance plant is known for its fragrant, yellow flowers that bloom in late winter and early spring. The blue-green leaves of the mahonia eurybracteata soft caress plant are textured and look beautiful when contrasted with other plants in the garden.

Also known as

• Oregon grape holly
  
• Oregon holly grape
  
• Mountain mahonia
  
• Tall Oregon grape
  
• Cascade Oregon grape

Good to Know

• Mahonia eurybracteata soft caress is a shrub that can reach a height of up to 5 meters.
  
• It has pinnate leaves with up to 9 leaflets.
  
• The flowers are yellow and borne in clusters.
  
• The fruit is a blackberry-like drupe.
  
• It is native to China and Vietnam.
  
• It is cultivated as an ornamental plant in many parts of the world.
  
• It is used in traditional Chinese medicine.
  
• It is known as "mubendazao" in Chinese.
  
• It is also known as "soft caress mahonia".
  
• It can be propagated from cuttings.

Related plant:
Mahonia Bealei

Planting Process

1. For mahonia eurybracteata soft caress, first step is to find a location in your garden that receives partial sun to full sun (6 to 8 hours of sunlight per day).
   
2. The second step is to prepare the soil by adding organic matter such as compost or manure.
   
3. The third step is to remove any weeds and rocks from the planting area.
   
4. The fourth step is to dig a hole that is twice the width and depth of the root ball.
   
5. The fifth step is to place the plant in the hole and backfill with soil.
   
6. The sixth step is to water the plant deeply and apply a 2-inch layer of mulch around the plant.
   
7. The seventh step is to fertilize the plant every 3 weeks during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
   
8. The eighth step is to prune the plant in late winter or early spring to shape it and promote new growth.
   
9. The ninth step is to watch for pests and diseases and take action accordingly.
   
10. The tenth and final step is to enjoy your plant!

Related plant:
Creeping Mahonia

Soil Condition

About soil condition, the mahonia eurybracteata soft caress prefers well-drained soil that is high in organic matter. It is important to maintain moist soil conditions, but the plant does not like to sit in water. It is best to water in the morning so that the leaves have time to dry off before nightfall.

Light condition

Like the other Mahonia plants, the Mahonia eurybracteata soft caress does best in areas that provide full sun to partial sun. It is a very drought tolerant plant once established, so it is perfect for those who do not want to spend a lot of time watering their plants. This Mahonia is a great addition to any garden as it provides year-round interest with its evergreen foliage and fragrant flowers.

Good Temperature

The temperature condition is perfect for Mahonia eurybracteata soft caress. It needs a cool to cold environment and will not tolerate heat well. The ideal temperature range is between 10-15 degrees Celsius.

Humidity Requirement

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 40%-60%. The plant will appreciate a humidity level closer to 60% during the summer months. During the winter, the plant can tolerate a lower humidity level, as long as the air is not too dry. If the air is too dry, the leaves may become crispy and turn brown.

Fertilizing

Regarding fertilizer, usually the plant does not need much. If you live in an area with naturally acidic soil, you can forgo fertilizer altogether. However, if you have alkaline soil, you'll need to use an acid-based fertilizer once a month. When it comes to the roots, it's best to let them be. If you try to dig them up, you'll likely damage the plant.

Plant Pruning

Pruning is an important part of caring for your mahonia eurybracteata soft caress plant. It helps to encourage new growth and keep the plant looking its best. Prune back any dead or dying branches to encourage new growth. You can also prune back any branches that are crowding or rubbing against other branches.

Plant Propagation

Propagation for Mahonia eurybracteata 'Soft Caress' is best done through rooting of softwood cuttings taken in late spring or early summer. Cuttings should be taken from new growth and should be about 4-6 inches long. The cuttings should be placed in a propagating tray or pot filled with a well-drained propagation mix. Once the cuttings are placed in the propagating tray or pot, water them well and place the tray or pot in a location that receives indirect sunlight. Cuttings should root within 4-8 weeks. Once roots have developed, the newly rooted Mahonia eurybracteata 'Soft Caress' plants can be transplanted into pots or into the garden.

Growth Rate

Usually, the plant growth rate is about 6 to 12 inches a year. This plant prefers partial shade to full shade and moist, well-drained soil. It is drought tolerant once established. This plant does best in USDA hardiness zones 7 to 9.

Common Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant plants include powdery mildew and leaf spot. Powdery mildew is a white or gray powdery fungus that can grow on the leaves and stems of the plant. Leaf spot is a brown or black spot that can form on the leaves of the plant. These problems can be controlled by using a fungicide.

Growing Tips

• Make sure to choose a location for your plant that receives full sun to partial shade.
  
• Mahonia eurybracteata Soft Caress prefers well-drained soil that is high in organic matter.
  
• Amend the planting area with compost or other organic matter prior to planting.
  
• Space plants evenly to allow for good air circulation.
  
• Keep the soil moist but not soggy. Water regularly during the growing season.
  
• Apply a layer of mulch around plants to help conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
  
• Fertilize plants in early spring with a general purpose fertilizer.
  
• Prune Mahonia eurybracteata Soft Caress to shape as needed. It can be pruned quite heavily without harming the plant.
  
• This plant is deer resistant.
  
• Mahonia eurybracteata Soft Caress can be propagated by taking stem cut

Alternative Plants

• Mahonia bealei Chinese Mahonia, Leatherleaf Mahonia, Grape Holly
  
• Mahonia japonica Japanese Mahonia, Holly Grape, Mountain Holly
  
• Mahonia media Oregon Grape Holly
  
• Mahonia neuronum Fuzzy Mahonia
  
• Mahonia x media 'Charity' Charity Mahonia
  
• Mahonia x media 'Atropurpurea' Purple Berry Holly
  
• Mahonia x wagneriana Wagner's Holly Grape
  
• Mahonia x wagneriana 'Winter Sun' Winter Sun Holly Grape
  
• Mahonia aquifolium Holly Grape
  
• Mahonia haematocarpa Purple Coralberry

Source:
Soft Caress Chinese Mahonia - UC Landscape Plant Irrigation …
Mahonia | Landscape Plants | Oregon State University
Managing Pests in Gardens: Trees and Shrubs: Mahonia—UC IPM - ucanr.edu