Soft Touch Holly
Soft Touch Holly (Ilex crenata’ Soft Touch’) is a compact, low-growing evergreen shrub known for its soft, glossy green foliage and gentle, rounded form. Unlike many hollies, the leaves of Soft Touch Holly are smooth and spineless, making them ideal for gardens and landscapes where a more delicate texture is desired. This hardy shrub reaches a mature height of 2 to 3 feet with an equal spread, making it perfect for low hedges, borders, or as a foundation plant. Its dense, mounded growth habit provides an elegant, refined appearance that enhances any landscape with year-round interest.
Thriving in USDA zones 5-9, Soft Touch Holly adapts well to various light conditions, from full sun to partial shade, and prefers moist but well-drained soil. It is a low-maintenance shrub that requires minimal pruning to maintain its rounded shape, making it ideal for both formal and informal gardens. Soft Touch Holly produces small white flowers in spring, followed by tiny black berries in the fall, adding seasonal interest and attracting birds to your garden. Its versatility and ease of care make it an excellent choice for homeowners and landscapers seeking a durable, attractive shrub that stays lush and vibrant throughout the year.
In addition to its beautiful appearance, Soft Touch Holly is deer-resistant, adding to its appeal in areas where wildlife is a concern. Whether used in mass plantings, as a ground cover or to add structure along walkways, this shrub’s soft, textured foliage provides an appealing contrast to other plants in the garden. With its compact size, low maintenance needs, and year-round green color, Soft Touch Holly is a versatile addition to any garden, delivering a polished, cohesive look while offering a gentle touch to your landscape.
