Southern Living Plant Collection Soft Caress Mahonia
Best low maintenance evergreen for shaded modern garden landscapes
This is the rare shrub that manages to look delicate without being high-maintenance. Its fern-like, thornless foliage brings a soft, architectural texture to shady corners, though you trade rapid, sprawling growth for a compact, slow-growing habit that stays perfectly contained year-round.
$43.44
at
Lowe's
Who it's for
- Gardeners seeking child-friendly and pet-safe textural plants
- Homeowners with wooded lots or north-facing garden beds
- Urban dwellers managing limited garden space or container displays
Who should skip it
- Northern gardeners living in colder, high-latitude climates
- Landscapers requiring fast-growing plants for instant coverage
- Property owners with poorly draining soil or heavy rainfall
Performance breakdown
Maintenance Ease
Minimal pruning requirements make this a low-effort addition to any landscape.
Visual Versatility
Fern-like texture and year-round color suit both modern and traditional gardens.
Shade Tolerance
Thrives in darker corners where many other flowering shrubs struggle.
Container Suitability
Compact, dwarf growth habit makes it perfect for patio pots.
Seasonal Interest
Winter blooms provide color when the rest of the garden sleeps.
Handling Safety
Thornless foliage allows for comfortable planting and maintenance without protective gear.
Key Specs
Mature Height
3.0 feet
Mature Spread
3.5 feet
Bloom Season
Winter
Flower Color
Yellow
USDA Hardiness Zones
7-9
Light Requirement
Full Sun to Partial Sun
Water Requirement
Moderate
Plant Type
Evergreen Shrub
Deer Resistant
No
Fragrant
Yes
Know before you buy
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Ask Metto anything about the Southern Living Plant Collection Soft Caress Mahonia before you decide.
