Southern Living / Sunset Chinese Barberry True

About this plant

Berberis 'Soft Caress' redefines what a barberry can be, presenting delicate, bamboo-like foliage that remains vibrant throughout the seasons. Its finely cut, deeply lobed leaves unfurl with a soft texture, a refreshing departure from its often-thorny relatives, making it ideal for high-traffic areas or close to patios where its beauty can be appreciated without caution. In late summer to early fall, spikes of bright yellow, fragrant flowers emerge, adding a delightful burst of color and attracting pollinators. These are followed by attractive, blue-black berries that persist into winter, providing visual interest and a food source for birds, ensuring its appeal extends through multiple seasons. Compact and naturally well-branched, 'Soft Caress' is a versatile evergreen that thrives in a variety of settings. Use it as a refined specimen, an elegant foundation plant, a sophisticated border accent, or in decorative containers to bring evergreen charm to your outdoor living spaces.

Installation timing

When we're in season, outside of the winter months, our goal is to get your plants installed within about two weeks. That window gives us enough time to secure your plants from our supplier and find a spot on the schedule. Throughout the process we stay in touch through notifications and your existing client portal on the main A Cut Above website, which is separate from this landscaping plants shop.

Care & maintenance

Easily maintained, 'Soft Caress' prefers well-drained soil and benefits from a layer of mulch to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature. Pruning is rarely needed, but can be done lightly after flowering to maintain shape or remove any spent flower stalks. Fertilize in early spring with a balanced slow-release fertilizer if desired. Pest and disease resistant.

Watering suggestions

Proper watering is the single most important factor in your plant's survival after installation. Newly installed plants have a limited root system and rely on you for consistent moisture while they establish.

• First 2 weeks: Water deeply every day (or every other day in cooler, wet weather), soaking the root ball and surrounding soil.
• Weeks 3–12: Water deeply 2–3 times per week, adjusting for rain, heat, and soil drainage.
• After establishment: Water deeply about once a week during the growing season, and more often in extreme heat or drought.
• How to check: Stick a finger 2–3 inches into the soil near the roots — if it's dry, it's time to water. Deep, less-frequent watering encourages strong roots; shallow daily sprinkles do not.
• Avoid: Overwatering (soggy, waterlogged soil) is just as harmful as underwatering and can drown roots.

Watering needs vary by plant, season, soil, and exposure. Because proper watering is the customer's responsibility after installation, please make sure you understand and can follow these suggestions before ordering.

Good to know: plants and trees purchased from and installed by A Cut Above include a one-year limited warranty from the date of installation. Because plant survival depends heavily on proper watering and care after installation, losses caused by improper care, neglect, animal or chemical damage, or extreme weather are not covered, and we must be given the chance to inspect a struggling plant before it's removed or replaced. Coverage is one replacement per plant. Read our warranty info.