Soft Touch Holly

Soft Touch Holly — Japanese Holly — Plant Description

Plant Summary
Soft Touch Holly (Ilex crenata ‘Soft Touch’) is a compact evergreen shrub valued for its soft spineless foliage, naturally rounded growth habit, and low-maintenance landscape performance. Gardeners researching how to grow Soft Touch Holly should provide partial sun to full sun, well-drained soil, and moderate moisture. Under proper Soft Touch Holly care and Soft Touch Holly growing conditions, plants develop dense evergreen foliage with a refined texture suitable for formal and foundation plantings.

Key Plant Facts
Height: 2–3 feet
Width: 3–4 feet
Sun: Full sun to partial shade
Water: Moderate
Annual or Perennial: Evergreen perennial shrub

Bloom Season or Seasonal Interest
Provides year-round evergreen foliage interest with soft dark green leaves and compact structure.

Landscape Uses
Excellent for foundation plantings, borders, low hedges, Japanese gardens, containers, and evergreen accent plantings.

Garden Design Value
Soft Touch Holly adds fine evergreen texture and a naturally rounded form to landscapes without the sharp spines associated with many hollies. Its compact habit works well in formal and low-maintenance designs.

Edible or Medicinal Uses
This plant is grown primarily for ornamental use. Berries, when present, should not be consumed.

Native Range
Derived from species native to Japan and eastern Asia.

Full Plant Description
Soft Touch Holly forms a dense mounded evergreen shrub with small soft dark green leaves and a refined branching habit. Plants are valued for their compact size, spineless foliage, and adaptability to landscape or container use. This variety performs best in evenly moist, well-drained soil with good airflow and moderate sunlight exposure. Soft Touch Holly care includes occasional pruning to maintain shape, mulching around the root zone, and protecting plants from prolonged drought stress. Proper Soft Touch Holly growing conditions support fuller growth, healthier foliage, and improved long-term performance.

Gardeners Also Ask

Does Soft Touch Holly need full sun?
It performs best in full sun to partial shade.

How large does Soft Touch Holly grow?
Plants typically grow 2–3 feet tall and 3–4 feet wide.

Is Soft Touch Holly evergreen?
Yes. It provides year-round evergreen foliage.

Does Soft Touch Holly have sharp leaves?
No. The foliage is soft and spineless.

Can Soft Touch Holly grow in containers?
Yes. It performs well in containers and foundation plantings.

Read our complete growing guide for Soft Touch Holly. (Click Here)

NOTICE

Live plants are natural products and vary in size, shape, and fullness depending on the season and stage of growth. Plants may be trimmed for shipping or to promote healthy development. Images shown represent the species or cultivar but may not reflect the exact plant shipped.
Customers are responsible for verifying that plants are permitted in their state. Orders intercepted or confiscated by agricultural authorities are not eligible for refund. By purchasing, you acknowledge our Live Plant Guarantee and Shipping Policy and Live Plant Shipping Notice.