Dwarf Evergreen Holly with Soft Textured Foliage Like the Soft Touch Holly shrub’s name suggests, this Ilex crenata cultivar adds a ‘soft touch’ to your garden or landscapes. It is not comparable to other holly varieties with its soft-textured foliage that features no sharp spines. The Soft Touch compact Holly bush features a unique low, dome-shaped form, flexible branches, and soft to the touch, dark green leaves. The glossy green foliage of the soft holly bush is in a dense mounded form and small shape. The plant has white flowers that turn into ornamental black berries that line the green shrub during the fall for great winter season interest. This variety of holly is great for a low foundation plant, soft textured evergreen shrub hedges, or planted in borders as an accent. Soft Touch dwarf Japanese holly is best as a mass planting shrub. SOFT TOUCH HOLLY CARE The best time to plant is in the spring or early fall growing season. It is drought tolerant and adapts to a variety of soil conditions. The Ilex Soft Touch Japanese Holly is extremely low maintenance and makes a nice alternative to the Helleri Holly. Easy to maintain the desired size and shape, this ilex crenata soft touch compact holly does not need much pruning. Grows to about 2-3 feet tall and wide and has a slow growth rate. You will need to protect this Japanese holly shrub from cold temperature extremes by planting it in full sun or part shaded areas and away from drying winter winds. Mulching around the root area is recommended to moderate temperature fluctuations. Does best in USDA growing zones 5-9. Prefers slightly acidic soil and the addition of slow release all purpose fertilizer before the new growth of green color. It is intolerant to alkaline soils as it will cause the leaves to yellow. If you are in hot dry weather be sure to keep moist, well drained soils. Soft touch holly diseases include brown rot, spider mites, and other insects. Proper care and maintenance are required if a problem does occur. Insecticidal soap, horticultural oil, and neem oil are excellent choices for protecting your plants. Shop the Soft Touch Japanese Holly for sale. It is easy to grow and pleasing to the eye! Planting instructions will be included.
