Description
Are you looking for a compact, easy-to-care evergreen species? Or planning to buy border cover bushes for your garden? Meet Soft Touch Holly, your one-stop solution for all your hedges and garden border needs.
Botanically called Ilex Crenata, the Japanese Holly Soft Touch is a moderate-growing round bushy species that bears alluring inedible blackberries during spring, which creates a stunning contrast and becomes a visual appeal in any garden space.
The silky smooth, glossy foliage makes the Soft Holly bushes a centerpiece in any indoor area. Moving ahead, jump into the article and explore everything about the Ilex Soft Touch before making a buying decision.
Features and Benefits of the Soft Touch Holly Shrub
Widely used as a garden border cover, Soft Touch Holly is an evergreen shrub that requires minimal care and adds an elegant touch to any garden space. Unlike other Holly varieties, the Soft Touch Japanese Holly has gentle and glossy foliage, which makes it a focal point when added to any landscape. Mostly it is planted 1.5 feet (ca. 46 cm) apart from each other to create a tight hedge.
Speaking of the benefits, the naturally round shape of the Soft Holly bushes creates a beautiful contrast with other upright trees. The plant bears beautiful black berries that attract many wildlife pollinators such as birds, bees, and butterflies.
Moving ahead, let us explore more about the taxonomy of this genus.
Scientific Classification for the Soft Touch Hollies
Before you make a buying decision, let us understand the taxonomic classification of the Soft Touch Holly shrubs.
| Taxonomic Summary of the Pygmy Date Palm Trees | |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Clade | Tracheophytes |
| Clade | Angiosperms |
| Clade | Eudicots |
| Clade | Asterids |
| Order | Aquifoliales |
| Family | Aquifoliaceae (Holly family) |
| Genus | Ilex |
| Species | Ilex crenata |
| Cultivar | Ilex crenata ‘Soft Touch’ |
Now, if you are planning to add this beauty to your backyard, you should be aware of the optimal growing conditions these alluring shrubs require.
Ideal Growing Conditions Required for Soft Touch Holly
To maintain the healthy growth of the year-round Soft Touch plant species, it is necessary to understand the ideal climatic conditions it requires to flourish.
| Ideal Growing Conditions Required | |
| Hardiness Zone | 5-9 USDA |
| Sunlight Exposure | Requires at least four hours of direct sunlight and can thrive in partial shade. |
| Water Needs | Water consistently during the initial growth stages, aand void overwatering. |
| Soil Type | Can tolerate a range of soil types and grows well in permeable sandy soil. |
| Mature Height | 2–3 feet tall |
| Mature Width | 3–4 feet wide (compact mound shape) |
| Growth Rate | Exhibits moderate growth rate |
| Bloom Season | Early winter to late spring |
| Fertilizers | Well-rotted compost with 10% nitrogen makes an excellent fertilizer. |
Consider pruning the Holly Soft Touch only if you wish to maintain a particular shape. It is advisable to do heavy pruning during early spring when new growth occurs.
User Reviews and Ratings
Review: The plant arrived in good condition and looks stunning in my garden.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Review: The leaves of the Soft Holly bush have a silky, soft texture, giving it an elegant look.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Review: The Ilex Soft Touch Holly makes a perfect border cover in my balcony garden.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Review: This Japanese Holly cultivar is an easy-to-grow plant. No special attention is needed.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
FAQs
How big does a Soft Touch Holly get?
The Soft Touch Holly generally remains compact and grows up to 2–3 feet tall only.
Is Soft Touch Holly toxic to dogs?
Yes, some parts of the Holly bush are poisonous and are fatal if ingested.
What is the botanical name of the Soft Touch Holly plant?
The botanical name of the Soft Touch Holly is Ilex crenata ‘Soft Touch’.
