Mahonia ‘Soft Caress’

Most Mahonias are notoriously prickly – but not this one! Mahonia ‘Soft Caress’ is the first of its kind to have entirely spine free foliage, making it much more agreeable in the garden. Winner of “Plant of the Year” at RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2013, this superb evergreen shrub has a useful autumn flowering period. Fragrant spikes of golden blooms give way to spherical, blue berries that will attract birds to the garden during the winter months. This compact and resilient shrub makes a useful addition to borders and containers for plenty of year round interest. Height and spread: 120cm (47″).

Culinary note: The ripe fruits are too acidic to eat raw but can be stewed with sugar or other fruits and made into jelly or pies. They are used to help the milder flavour of some fruits or to make a lemonade-like drink. Young leaves are simmered in water and eaten as a snack. For more details about edible flowers click here.

Plant height and spread is seasonal therefore we list by pot size rather than a defined plant size. The height and spread of the plant delivered will vary depending on the season, meaning arrival images are an indication only.