Everyone know a Mahonia and are familiar with the tall upright structural plants with slightly thorny leaves. But there are some new kids on the block. Well, they have been around a few years now but why not highlight these new softer Mahonia?
The Mahonia eurybracteata have softer leaves that are longer and much more elegant than the better known Mahonia japonica and x media types.
All Mahonia are relatively unfussy and will tolerate both sun and shade in a well drained but humus rich soil and so will benefit from a mulch each winter.
Mahonia eurybracteata Soft Caress won the Plant of the Year at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show in 2013. The long lance shaped leafs are soft to touch, hence the name and the flowers which are produced in the winter months are bright yellow in colour with a great scent. This compact shrub reaches 1m in both height and spread.
Mahonia eurybracteata Sweet Winter has fragrant yellow flowers that re freely produced in the winter months. This compact shrub reaches 1-1.5m in height.
While we are talking leaf shape, let us not pass by the humble Mahonia aquifolium which is an excellent plant for dry shade and positively thrives when planted under trees. Each winter the holly-like leaves, which are not prickly, will reward you with deep red, bronze and purple foliage.
