Soft Touch Japanese Holly

Ilex crenata (EYE-leks kre-NAH-tuh)

Family: Aquifoliaceae Non-native Shrub (3-15 ft)

Soft touch Japanese holly is a cultivar of Japanese holly ( Ilex crenata ). Soft touch Japanese holly is a dense, mounded, evergreen shrub with a moderate growth rate. Plant in the full sun in acidic, well-drained soil, though it tolerates a wide range of soil types, from moist to dry, including clay. The shrub can be pruned to manage its size and is easy to transplant. It tolerates drought, shade, air pollution, poor soils, and clay soils. It may not thrive in areas with high heat and humidity (USDA zones 8 and 9). It will reach a relatively short height of 3 feet and has soft-textured leaves without the sharp spines typically found on Japanese holly. It works well planted in borders, as an accent, or along walkways. Black ornamental berries persist throughout winter for cool season interest. Use ‘Soft Touch’ in winter, Asian, cottage or pollinator gardens. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Generally pest-free. Potential insect pests include holly leaf miner, spider mites, whitefly, and scale. Potential diseases include leaf spot, leaf rot, tar spot, and powdery mildew. Plants are also susceptible to leaf drop, leaf scorch and chlorosis (yellowing of leaves in high pH soils). The Clemson Cooperative Extension Home and Garden Information Center has a factsheet on common diseases and insect pests. More information on Ilex crenata .

Source: NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox ↗ NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, 77 attributes.