Mahonia eur. Plant - Soft Caress® Introducing the first prickle free Mahonia. The ?Soft Caress? is the original utterly spine free Mahonia, not a prickle in sight, making it much more enjoyable for the garden. RHS Chelsea Flower Show ?Plant of the Year? winner in 2013, an absolute must have. This fantastical evergreen shrub blooms in autumn, with aromatic spikes of golden yellow flowers. Once winter comes these vibrant blooms give way to blue spherical berries, which are loved by birds. Compact and resilient this shrub gives great year-round interest to borders or potted on patios. Culinary uses: Too acidic to eat raw, the ripe fruits can be stewed with sugar or other fruits and turned into jam, jelly or desserts. They are combined with other milder fruits to add more flavour or can be made into a lemonade-like drink. Young leaves can be simmered in water and eaten as a snack. Height and spread: 1.2m (47)