Ilex crenata 'Soft Touch'

Soft Touch Japanese Holly

Ilex crenata ‘Soft Touch’ is a compact evergreen shrub valued for its soft, spineless dark green foliage and naturally rounded habit. This Japanese holly has finer, gentler leaf texture than many hollies, making it especially useful near walkways or entry areas where spiny foliage would be undesirable. Its dense branching gives year-round structure with minimal pruning.

Type: Evergreen shrub
Mature Size: Width: 2–3 ft · Height: 2–3 ft
USDA Zones: 5a–8b

Form: Compact, rounded

Light: Full sun to part shade

Soil: Moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soil

Water: Medium; prefers even moisture during establishment

Wildlife: Provides shelter for small birds

Features & Landscape Uses:
Excellent for low hedges, foundation plantings, borders, and mixed evergreen beds where soft texture and compact size are desired. Its naturally tidy form works well in formal and informal plantings.

Care:
Plant in well-drained acidic soil and avoid poorly drained sites. Prune lightly in late spring if shaping is needed. Protect from severe winter wind in exposed locations for best foliage quality.

Plant type

Broadleaf Evergreen

Height

2-3'

Width

2-3'

Hardiness zones

5–9

Sunlight

Full Sun, Partial Shade

Growth rate

Slow

Bloom time

Spring

Flower color

White

Leaf color

Dark Green

Fall color

Dark Green

Soil

Acidic, Moist well-drained

Landscape use

Accent Plant, Container, Mass Planting

Shape

Compact Rounded

Bark

Smooth

Fruit

Yes

Deer resistant

Yes

Salt tolerant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No