The Soft Touch Compact Holly, Ilex Crenata ‘Soft Touch’, is an outstanding evergreen shrub with soft, glossy leaves. Small black fruits attract birds in the late fall, lasting into the winter. Effective in borders, as an accent or to define walkways. Works well as a formal low-growing hedge when planted tightly.

How do you care for soft touch holly?

How to Care for a Soft Touch Holly
Water “Soft Touch” holly regularly during hot, dry weather. Spread 2 inches of mulch around the plant every spring. Fertilize “Soft Touch” holly before new growth emerges in spring, using a slow-release, 4-3-4 fertilizer formulated for holly or other acid-loving plants.

How tall does a Japanese holly soft touch get?

Soft Touch Japanese Holly is a dense, mounded, evergreen shrub with a moderate growth rate. Unlike its parent, it will reach a relatively short height of 3 feet and has soft-textured leaves without the sharp spines typically found on Japanese Holly.

What is the smallest Holly?

Bordeaux’ is a dwarf cultivar of the native yaupon holly (Ilex vomitoria). It forms a dense, fine-textured shrub with leaves that emerge maroon. It also does not produce berries. ‘Bordeaux’ is quite compact with a height of 2 to 3 feet and a spread of 3 to 5 feet.

Can soft touch holly take full sun?

“Soft Touch” Japanese holly prefers full sun, but it will tolerate light shade in the afternoon. Pick a site with well-draining soil in the moist to dry range. Heavy, wet soil tends to kill this holly plant. If the site has a drainage problem, plant this holly in a raised bed or a large container.

Will soft touch holly grow in shade?

Planting & Growing

This shrub does best in full sun to partial shade. It prefers to grow in moist to wet soil, and will even tolerate some standing water.

How fast does compact holly grow?

In general, however, plants with a slow rate of growth grow 12 or fewer inches per year. Plants that grow 13 to 24 inches per year have a medium or moderate rate of growth, and plants that grow 25 or more inches each year are classified as being fast-growing.

Why is my soft touch holly turning brown?

Large brown splotches on the leaves, especially around the edges, can be a sign that your holly plant has sustained weather damage, such as a sudden cold snap or a prolonged dry period. If rainfall drops below 1 inch per week, water your holly to ensure the roots are receiving enough moisture.

Why is my soft touch holly turning yellow?

I hope this information is helpful. On a holly, yellow leaves typically indicates an iron deficiency, also known as iron chlorosis. When a holly plant does not get enough iron, the plant cannot produce chlorophyll and you get yellow leaves on your holly bush.

Does Japanese holly need full sun?

Japanese Holly Care

You’ll do best growing Japanese holly in light, well-drained soil with plenty of organic material. The shrubs prefer slightly acidic soil and will develop iron deficiency if the soil pH is too high. You can plant the shrubs in almost any garden location since they tolerate full sun or partial shade.

Do soft touch hollies bloom?

No more worries about being pricked by holly leaves in your backyard! Small, glossy leaves are accented by tiny flowers in the spring and black-hued berries in the fall and winter.

Is there a miniature holly tree?

The Chinese dwarf holly (Ilex cornuta ‘Rotunda’) is a small, compact shrub with recognizable spiny leaves. This dwarf holly tree is hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture zones 7 to 9 and only reaches a height of up to 6 feet.

Is there a dwarf Japanese holly?

The dwarf Japanese holly (Ilex crenata) is an evergreen broad-leaf shrub that is popular in the South and other mild regions. It fares best in U.S. Department of Agricultural plant hardiness zones 6 through 9.

What is the difference between American holly and English holly?

Look at the color of the leaves. English holly has a deep green color and glossy finish. American holly leaves are a lighter, yellow-green with a dull sheen. Variegated leaves, ever popular during the holidays, indicate English holly.

What can I plant next to holly?

A few common holly companions for planting next to the shrubs include boxwood, viburnum, clematis, hydrangea, and rhododendrons.