Mahonia EURYBRACTEATA 'SOFT CARESS'

Mahonia EURYBRACTEATA 'SOFT CARESS' - Broadbracted mahonia 'Soft Caress', Mahonia eurybracteata 'Soft Caress', Soft mahonia, Berberis.

Mahonia is a genus of evergreen shrubs in the family Berberidaceae, comprising about 70 species and distributed in East Asia and North America.

Plants of this genus are evergreen shrubs with leathery leaves gathered into pinnately compound blades. Shoots are erect or slightly spreading; leaves in many species have spines along the margins, and flowering is accompanied by bright yellow inflorescences.

Flowering occurs in spring or autumn. The flowers are small, bright yellow, gathered in racemes or panicles. The fruits are rounded berries with a glaucous bloom, bluish-black in color, containing several small seeds.

Broadbracted mahonia is a compact evergreen shrub up to 1 m (3.3 ft) tall. Shoots are thin, erect. Leaves are narrow, soft, spineless, up to 15 cm (5.9 in) long, bright green, gathered in dense clusters, giving the plant a delicate, lacy appearance.

Flowering is observed from August to October. The flowers are small, bright yellow, gathered in racemes. The fruits are rounded, blue with a glaucous bloom, about 1 cm (0.4 in) in diameter. Seeds are small, smooth, oval.

The cultivar 'Soft Caress' became the first mahonia with soft, spineless leaves, which made it especially popular for use in sensory gardens and recreation areas. Its compact size, shade tolerance, and ornamental appeal throughout the year ensured its recognition by gardeners worldwide.

Seeds are cleaned, dried, and sown immediately in a permanent location. With spring sowing, mandatory stratification is carried out for four months at a temperature of about +4 °C (+39 °F). With autumn sowing, stratification occurs naturally. Seeds are sown on moist substrate, lightly sprinkled with soil, moistened from a spray bottle, covered with film, and germinated in light at a temperature of 20-25 °C (68-77 °F).

Seedlings appear after 4-8 weeks. Germination is accompanied by regular ventilation. Drying out or waterlogging of the sowings is not permitted. Flowering of young plants occurs 4 years after sowing.

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Cultivation in partial shade or light shade is recommended. When placed in the sun, shading is provided during midday hours. Indoors, diffused lighting without direct sunlight is required. Main care does not require much time: watering, misting, fertilizing, pruning, soil maintenance, and protection from diseases and pests are carried out.

During the warm season, a temperature of 18-26 °C (64-79 °F) is maintained. In winter, a temperature drop to 5-8 °C (41-46 °F) is permitted. In the first years after planting, watering is carried out generously and regularly at the root and over the crown from a hose with a spray wand in the evening after sunset. Mature bushes are watered during dry periods 2-3 times a week at 10 liters (2.6 gal) per bush. With regular precipitation, watering is not required. After watering, shallow loosening of the soil is recommended.

A loose drained substrate based on leaf mold, humus, and sand is used. Repotting is carried out in spring or summer by the transshipment method. Autumn repotting is not recommended due to the risk of plant death in the winter period. Drainage is mandatory.

Twice per season, mineral feedings are applied: in early March and in mid-May, using Nitroammophoska or Fertika Lux (100 g per 1 sq m (3.5 oz per 10.8 sq ft)). In autumn, a 5 cm (2.0 in) layer of humus or compost is placed in the tree well, which in spring is dug into the soil.

Sanitary pruning is carried out in early spring before bud break; damaged and dried branches are removed. Formative pruning is performed in autumn or immediately after flowering to form a compact crown. Rejuvenating pruning is carried out on old bushes to stimulate the growth of young shoots.

Young plants are covered for winter with spruce boughs. Mature bushes need cover only in snowless severe winters. Under snow cover, mahonia tolerates frosts without damage.