So, today I was at Lowe's. Lord help me- I can NOT afford a single additional plant this year!
However, I found a big Weigela marked down to $3 bucks. Although it looked scraggly as all get out and I know zilch about Weigela except how nice they look in the spring as I drive by, there were lots of little sprouts around the center of the plant and the tips of the long branches were green. I'm taking a stab in the dark and feeling like this will be an easy plant to rejuvenate. Any suggestions? I could look it up, but heck- asking a bunch of bamboo maniacs is so much more fun.
Another section had plants in very decent shape at 50% off. I admired the Pieris and then the Leather leaf Mahonia, reminiscing about the one I had planted several years ago when I had more acreage, more money, and was on a quest to acquire a plant of every shape, size, color, and texture under the sun. As I brushed away my longings for yesteryear and was given a sharp prick in the finger in thanks, I spotted a most unusual plant 3 or 4 aisles over. Even though I was just about to faint away in the 90 degree heat and was basically ready to leave, I had to go examine it.
Ironically, it was another Mahonia. Mahonia 'Soft Touch'. I am in awe. Do a google image search. It has a delicate, almost bamboo-like texture. The leaves aren't thick and leathery like the Oregon Grape Holly. This made me question whether it too would be evergreen. I scoured the tag for that bit of information. Luckily, it wasn't to be found or I would have shoved it under my shirt and made a mad dash for it. Come to find out, it is! An awesome, evergreen, bamboo-like plant that works in shade or part-shade. I reasoned that such a beautiful plant would be available in seasons to come. Looking it up it looks like it won Top Prize at the RHS's Chelsea flower show a year or two back. I will definitely be buying this next year, extending my bamboo theme into the shadiest parts of my property. Check it out!
Mahonia 'Soft Touch'- I think I'm in love. And Weigela.
Moderator: needmore
- Jeff: Igor's Apprentice
- Posts: 1196
- Joined: Mon Apr 17, 2006 1:44 am
- Location info: 0
- Location: SW NORTH CAROLINA Zone 7
- JWH
- Posts: 506
- Joined: Sun Feb 24, 2013 1:56 am
- Location info: 0
- Location: Seabeck, Washington Zone 8b Elevation: 531 Feet
- Contact:
Re: Mahonia 'Soft Touch'- I think I'm in love. And Weigela.
Sorry I also know zilch about Weigela!
But man! That Mahonia is drop dead gorgeous! So much prettier than the native dwarf oregon grape that grows all over my woods! Very palm-esque looking to my eye! Must add it to my already too long plant wish list...thanks!
But man! That Mahonia is drop dead gorgeous! So much prettier than the native dwarf oregon grape that grows all over my woods! Very palm-esque looking to my eye! Must add it to my already too long plant wish list...thanks!
- Jeff: Igor's Apprentice
- Posts: 1196
- Joined: Mon Apr 17, 2006 1:44 am
- Location info: 0
- Location: SW NORTH CAROLINA Zone 7
Re: Mahonia 'Soft Touch'- I think I'm in love. And Weigela.
I'm glad someone else shares my enthusiasm about this plant! I just wish it got a bit bigger. And it could be a tad hardier for the sake of security.
- JWH
- Posts: 506
- Joined: Sun Feb 24, 2013 1:56 am
- Location info: 0
- Location: Seabeck, Washington Zone 8b Elevation: 531 Feet
- Contact:
Re: Mahonia 'Soft Touch'- I think I'm in love. And Weigela.
Definitely going to be looking for one the next time I'm at Lowes! Along with a 'Lemon Lace' elderberry!
I found a good deal on a 'sutherland gold' elderberry last year, it's getting pretty big this year! It looks great planted near or under a tall bamboo...to me anyway!
I found a good deal on a 'sutherland gold' elderberry last year, it's getting pretty big this year! It looks great planted near or under a tall bamboo...to me anyway!
- Jeff: Igor's Apprentice
- Posts: 1196
- Joined: Mon Apr 17, 2006 1:44 am
- Location info: 0
- Location: SW NORTH CAROLINA Zone 7
Re: Mahonia 'Soft Touch'- I think I'm in love. And Weigela.
Yeah, Sambucus is pretty cool. I planted some at a property 9 or 10 years ago. A dark leafed one and I think a gold foliaged one as well. Don't remember the cultivar names. I think I just moved before they had a chance to do much. Or, maybe they didn't like where I put them? Don't remember the specifics, but I never got to see what they could really become.
Have you seen the Mulberry 'Nuclear Blast'? That's an interesting plant as well. A little on the weird side.
Have you seen the Mulberry 'Nuclear Blast'? That's an interesting plant as well. A little on the weird side.
- JWH
- Posts: 506
- Joined: Sun Feb 24, 2013 1:56 am
- Location info: 0
- Location: Seabeck, Washington Zone 8b Elevation: 531 Feet
- Contact:
Re: Mahonia 'Soft Touch'- I think I'm in love. And Weigela.
Wow yeah! That mulberry has the weird factor!
I like weird plants though, Just recently bought a Hydrangea Macrophylla 'Pistachio'. I HAD to have it as soon as I laid eyes on it!
I like weird plants though, Just recently bought a Hydrangea Macrophylla 'Pistachio'. I HAD to have it as soon as I laid eyes on it!
- Jeff: Igor's Apprentice
- Posts: 1196
- Joined: Mon Apr 17, 2006 1:44 am
- Location info: 0
- Location: SW NORTH CAROLINA Zone 7
Re: Mahonia 'Soft Touch'- I think I'm in love. And Weigela.
I wasn't familiar with 'Pistachio'. That is a homeotic mutation. Pretty neat!
Are you familiar with with the 'Nigra' cultivar that has black stems?
So many plants, so little time and money....and acreage.
Are you familiar with with the 'Nigra' cultivar that has black stems?
So many plants, so little time and money....and acreage.
- JWH
- Posts: 506
- Joined: Sun Feb 24, 2013 1:56 am
- Location info: 0
- Location: Seabeck, Washington Zone 8b Elevation: 531 Feet
- Contact:
Re: Mahonia 'Soft Touch'- I think I'm in love. And Weigela.
Awesome! A black stem hydrangea!
Yeah too many cool plants to grow, and not enough room or money for them all!
Yeah too many cool plants to grow, and not enough room or money for them all!
-
- Posts: 1617
- Joined: Sun May 06, 2012 1:28 pm
- Location info: 0
- Bamboo Society Membership: EBS - Germany
- Location: HALIFAX, NOVA SCOTIA
Re: Mahonia 'Soft Touch'- I think I'm in love. And Weigela.
I'm enthusiastic too with the Mahonia; not very enthusiastic with its hardiness rating though.
johnw coastal Nova Scotia