MMMM MAHONIA

Words by Jessica Peace

You’ll smell this specimen before you see it. It looks like a bleach blonde Sideshow Bob and it’s normally shoved at the edge of car parks or housing estates left to fend for itself – BUT its honey-like fragrance is knockout.

NEW KID ON THE BLOCK

Most Mahonias are ‘spine-toothed’ punk rockers but a few years ago a new slender, ‘spineless’ model turned up to the party. Mahonia eurybracteata 'Soft Caress' is a bit easier on the eye, 'Soft Caress' has almost feather-like foliage but the same sweet, sweet perfume.

Stick it in the garden or a large container for winter scent.