Ilex crenata ‘Soft Touch’
Soft, refined, and effortlessly structured, Soft Touch® Japanese Holly is a compact evergreen shrub prized for its dense, mounded form and fine-textured foliage. With its naturally rounded habit and “soft” appearance, it offers a polished alternative to boxwood—perfect for modern landscapes and classic garden designs alike.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Naturally compact, mounded shape with minimal pruning needed
- Fine-textured, soft green foliage for a clean, elegant look
- Evergreen structure provides year-round interest
- Low-maintenance and easy to grow
- Ideal boxwood alternative with improved resilience
Growing Tips:
- Light: Full sun to partial shade (4–6+ hours daily)
- Soil: Prefers moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soil
- Water: Keep soil consistently moist, especially during establishment
- Spacing: 2.5–4 feet apart for borders or low hedges
- Plant Size: Grows 2–3 feet tall and wide
- Zones: Hardy in USDA Zones 5–9
Care & Maintenance:
- Water deeply 1–2 times per week during the first growing season
- Fertilize in early spring with a balanced evergreen fertilizer
- Minimal pruning required; lightly shape in late winter if desired
- Apply mulch to retain moisture and protect roots
Best Use:
Perfect for low hedges, foundation plantings, borders, and mass plantings. Also excellent in containers or as a soft, structured accent in formal and informal gardens alike.
