Soft Touch Holly (Ilex crenata 'Soft Touch') — A compact, dwarf Japanese holly with fine-textured, spineless evergreen foliage that is truly soft to the touch, perfect for foundation plantings, borders, and small hedges.

Plant Details

• Botanical Name: Ilex crenata 'Soft Touch'
• Mature Size: 2–3 ft tall × 2–3 ft wide
• Growth Rate: Slow
• Bloom Color: Insignificant (grown for foliage)
• Foliage: Evergreen — fine-textured, soft, dark green

Growing Conditions

• Sunlight: Part shade to full sun
• Water Needs: Moderate — consistent moisture preferred
• Soil: Acidic, well-drained
• Hardiness Zones: USDA 6–9

Why Choose Soft Touch Holly?

• Spineless foliage safe for walkways and children's play areas
• Compact, naturally mounding form needs minimal pruning
• Excellent boxwood alternative resistant to boxwood blight
• Deer resistant and low maintenance

Care Tips

Plant in acidic, well-drained soil. Mulch to maintain consistent moisture. Shear or prune as needed to shape — responds well to trimming. Avoid waterlogged soil. Feed with an acid-forming fertilizer in spring.