Holly 'Soft Touch'
Holly ‘Soft Touch’ is a delightful evergreen shrub known for its soft, finely serrated foliage that distinguishes it from other holly varieties. With its small, rounded shape and dense growth, this compact holly is perfect for smaller gardens or as a low hedge. Its ability to thrive in a variety of conditions, including partial shade, makes it an ideal choice for areas where other plants might struggle.
The glossy, dark green leaves of Soft Touch Holly hold their color year-round, providing a sleek, elegant backdrop in garden beds and borders. During the winter months, it provides visual interest when many other plants lose their leaves, adding texture and structure to the landscape. Although this holly is primarily grown for its foliage, it occasionally produces small, inconspicuous red berries if a male pollinator is nearby, adding a pop of color during the colder months.
‘Soft Touch’ is low-maintenance, requiring minimal pruning to maintain its rounded shape. It grows slowly, reaching about 3 feet in height and width, making it an excellent choice for smaller spaces, containers, or as part of a mixed border. Its versatile nature and year-round appeal make it a favorite in both formal and informal gardens.
Planting: Choose a location with well-drained soil and partial to full shade. Space plants 3 feet apart to allow for their natural, rounded growth. Ilex ‘Soft Touch’ is adaptable to most soil types but prefers slightly acidic, well-drained conditions for optimal growth.
Watering: Water regularly to keep the soil moderately moist, particularly during dry spells. Holly plants generally prefer moist conditions but dislike sitting in soggy soil. Once established, ‘Soft Touch’ has some drought tolerance but benefits from consistent moisture.
Pruning: Prune lightly to maintain shape or remove dead or damaged branches. Since ‘Soft Touch’ grows slowly, it doesn’t require heavy pruning, but you can shape it as needed in early spring. Avoid cutting back too much of the plant at once to preserve its dense growth habit.
Pest Control: This holly is relatively pest-resistant. It may occasionally attract aphids or scale, which can be controlled using insecticidal soap or a strong stream of water. Deer typically avoid ‘Soft Touch’ due to its tough, spiny leaves.
Soil Tips: Holly ‘Soft Touch’ thrives in well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil. It can tolerate a range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, or clay, but ensure that the soil drains well to prevent root rot. Mulching around the base can help retain moisture and protect the roots from extreme temperatures.
