Light Needs
Mature Height
Mature Spread
Growing Zones
Soft Touch Compact Holly (Ilex crenata ‘Soft Touch’) is a low-maintenance evergreen shrub with soft, glossy leaves that provide year-round interest. Small black fruits appear in late fall and persist into winter, attracting birds to the garden.
Its compact form makes it perfect for borders, walkways, foundation plantings, or as an accent shrub. When planted tightly, it also works beautifully as a formal low-growing hedge.
Soft Touch Compact Holly Care
Plant in well-drained soil and water regularly until established. Provide supplemental water during periods of extreme heat or drought. Prefers slightly acidic soil. Fertilize in the spring before new growth begins. Responds well to pruning to maintain size and shape, making it highly versatile in landscape design.
Soft Touch Compact Holly Spacing
For shrub borders or mass plantings, space 4 to 5 feet apart, center to center. For formal hedges, space 2 ½ to 3 feet apart from the center of each plant to create a dense, structured appearance.
Why Grow Soft Touch Compact Holly?
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Compact evergreen shrub with soft, glossy foliage
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Small black fruits attract birds in late fall and winter
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Ideal for borders, walkways, foundation plantings, and accents
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Works well as a low-maintenance formal hedge
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Responds well to pruning for size and shape control
Soft Touch Compact Holly combines evergreen beauty, wildlife appeal, and versatility, making it an excellent choice for structured landscapes, hedges, or decorative borders.
Soft Touch Compact Japanese Holly Plant Facts
| USDA Hardiness Zones: 5 - 9 |
| Flower Color(s): n/a |
| Bloom Period: Grown for Foliage |
| Foliage Color(s): Green |
| Light Exposure: Partial Shade to Full Sun |
| Height: 2-3 Feet |
| Spread: 2-3 Feet |
| Habit: Rounded |
| Watering: Medium |
| Features: Dense, Rounded Habit |
| Scientific Name: Ilex crenata 'Soft Touch' |
| Common Name: Soft Touch Compact Japanese Holly |
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.
Also Known As:
Quart
Plant Age:
~ 6 months - 1 year
Plant Size:
~ 4"-8"
Pot Size:
~ 4.75"H x 4.5"W
Volume:
1.50 quarts
Also Known As:
2.5 Quart Pot
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 8"-12"
Pot Size:
~ 6.5"H x 6.5"W
Volume:
2.20-2.30 quarts
Also Known As:
#1 Container
1 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 10"-14"
Pot Size:
~ 7"H x 7.75"W
Volume:
2.26-3.73 quarts
Also Known As:
#2 Container
2 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1.5 - 3 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-18"
Pot Size:
~ 9.5"H x 9.5"W
Volume:
1.19-1.76 gallons
Also Known As:
#3 Container
3 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 2 - 4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-30"
Pot Size:
~9.5"H x 11"W
Volume:
2.32-2.76 gallons
Also Known As:
#5 Container
5 Gallon
Plant Age:
~3-4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 20" - 60"
Pot Size:
~11" H x 10 1/2” W
Volume:
3.5 - 4 gallons
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We want your plants to arrive in great condition! If you notice any issues upon delivery, contact us within 3 days.
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Plants that are currently in stock typically ship within 2-7 business days after your order is placed.
Plant Addicts ships to the lower 48 states within the U.S. Unfortunately, we do not currently ship to Alaska, Hawaii, or internationally.
This plant cannot be shipped to the following states: AZ, CA, ID, MT, NV, OR, UT, WA, AK, HI. These restrictions apply only to this specific plant due to agricultural regulations or other limitations. Other plants may still be available for shipping to these states.
If you have any questions about shipping restrictions, feel free to reach out to our team!