Soft Touch Japanese Holly

Name: Soft Touch Japanese Holly
Brand: Nature Hills Nursery
SKU: 23002
Price: 29.67 USD
Availability: InStock

Ilex crenata 'Soft Touch'

Nature Hills Nursery

$29⁶⁷

Shipping calculated at checkout.

In Stock

Enter your ZIP code to check shipping availability.

Find your Growing Zone

Plant Size

Quart Container

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: These evergreens are versatile and thrive in full sun to partial shade, requiring at least 4 to 6 hours of light daily. While they handle shade well, full sun exposure results in a tighter, more compact growth habit and richer leaf color.
Soil: They prefer slightly acidic, moist, and well drained soil. If you have heavy clay that stays wet, plant them in a raised bed or a slight mound to keep the roots from sitting in water, which can lead to root rot.

Watering Requirements

During the first year, water your Soft Touch Holly twice a week to ensure the root ball stays moist while it anchors into the native soil. Once established, these plants are quite drought tolerant, but inconsistent watering during high heat can cause the inner foliage to yellow and drop. Aim for a deep soak at the base of the plant rather than frequent light sprinkles to encourage deep root growth.

Pruning Tips

This cultivar naturally maintains a rounded, mounded shape, so it rarely needs heavy pruning. If you want to tidy them up, do so in early spring before new growth begins, as they bloom on "old wood" produced the previous season. Think of it like a light trim rather than a buzz cut; removing just the stray branches helps maintain the dense, soft texture that gives the plant its name.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a slow release fertilizer formulated for acid loving evergreens, such as a Holly-Tone, once in early spring. Avoid applying high nitrogen fertilizers late in the summer or fall because this encourages tender new growth that won't have time to harden off before the first frost. This late season growth is easily damaged by winter burn, which can leave the plant looking ragged by spring.

Delivery and Shipping

Preorder Shipping Schedule

We ship your plants when it's safe to transport them to your zone. Dates are estimated and subject to weather delays.

Zone 3-4	Week of March 30th
Zone 5	Week of March 16th
Zone 6-12	Week of March 2nd

Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

Gorgeous yellow branching and glossy little fine-textured foliage, the Soft Touch Japanese Holly (Ilex crenata 'Soft Touch') is a broad-leaved evergreen shrub that offers year-round interest. This Japanese Holly is sure to please with its ornamental features and hardy nature!

Unlike many Holly varieties with stiff, pokey leaves, Soft Touch is named for its gentle foliage that is so flexible it veritably invites you to run your hand over its surface. The allure doesn't stop there as each glossy, dark green leaf features a delicate silver midvein that lends a touch of shimmer to this shrub's already vibrant appearance in your landscape.

You may not notice the petite blossoms in spring, but your pollinators will seek them out. Although Soft Touch is grown for its foliage, this female plant may produce some small black fruits if pollinated by a nearby male plant. Then later in the season, you and your local songbirds certainly won't miss the black berries that arrive in fall and persist into the winter months!

Soft Touch Japanese Holly is a dwarf broadleaf evergreen and has a dense rounded nature that is amenable to pruning if desired. Soft Touch is considered a low-maintenance shrub, so you can generally just plant it and forget about it. Hardy throughout USDA growing zones 5 to 9 and grows to a neat and tidy 2-3 feet in height and width.

Planting and Application:

Plant several as a low border along your sidewalk, or use just one as a lovely accent near your perennial bed or patio. The formal and naturally rounded form looks fantastic throughout low-maintenance landscapes, en masse, and in defining rows and groupings to accent any sun garden! The soft foliage is perfect for use along walkways and the driveway so you won't worry about poking or snagging garments.

Your wildlife will appreciate a Soft Touch in your yard for its food and shelter, but you'll love it for its year-round appeal, its evergreen nature and ornamental features a step apart from the average landscape Holly! Plant multiples to ensure pollination and berries.

Soft, Light Green Leaves & Silvery Margins
White Flowers & Black Berries on Female Shrubs
Dwarf, Fine Textured Broad-Leaved Evergreen
Fast-Growing Year-Round Interest
Definition, Borders & Edging, Pathways & Specimens

#ProPlantTips for Care:

Highly adaptable, Japanese Holly do best in full sun and these shrubs love slightly acidic moist soil, but it must be well drained. Plant it in well-drained soil for best results in any kind of slightly acidic location and give them 3-4 inches of arborist mulch over the root system retain moisture, and insulate the roots. Best in moderate moisture throughout the growing season and provide a good drink before winter. They'll survive through a moderate drought. Once established, they can even tolerate neglect. The best time for pruning is early spring and you can prune evergreen Holly into to most any shape or form.

Shines in Full Sun
Moderate Moisture Needs
Acidic Well-Drained Soil Types
Prune Very Early Spring
Cold Hardier Than Other Varieties

Holly plants are among the most popular choices for ornamental shrubs, and Soft Touch Japanese Holly is another stellar example of a variety with unique and useful features for the homeowner! Try just one this year and you're sure to return for more once you witness firsthand all that this lovely Holly has to offer. Order one today at NatureHills.com!

Free shipping

On all orders over $199
Plant Sentry™

Compliant guaranteed
Easy returns

Hassle free returns policy
Live Chat

Talk to a real person

Growing Zones 5-9

Find Your Growing Zone!

Frequently Asked Questions

What USDA hardiness zones is Soft Touch Japanese Holly suitable for?

Soft Touch Japanese Holly thrives in USDA hardiness zones 5 through 9. This broad temperature range makes it suitable for most of the continental United States, from northern regions with cold winters to southern areas with hot summers. Check your specific zone to confirm compatibility before planting.

What is the mature height and width of Soft Touch Japanese Holly?

Soft Touch Japanese Holly reaches a compact 2-3 feet in both height and width at maturity. This dwarf evergreen maintains a naturally rounded, dense form that's perfect for low borders or accent plantings. Its tidy size makes it ideal for smaller spaces and walkway plantings available at naturehills.com.

Does Soft Touch Japanese Holly grow well in full sun or does it prefer shade?

Soft Touch Japanese Holly thrives in full sun, as referenced in the description's mention of "sun garden" applications. This hardy shrub performs well in USDA zones 5-9 and adapts to various light conditions. For best foliage density and color, plant in a location with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.

What type of soil does Soft Touch Japanese Holly need for best growth?

Soft Touch Japanese Holly thrives in well-draining, slightly acidic soil but adapts to most soil types. This hardy shrub tolerates poor soils once established in zones 5-9. Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot and amend heavy clay soils with compost for best results.

When and how should I prune Soft Touch Japanese Holly to keep it tidy?

Prune Soft Touch Japanese Holly in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. This dense, rounded shrub naturally maintains its 2-3 foot form in zones 5-9, so pruning is optional. Simply trim lightly to shape or remove any wayward branches - shop at Nature Hills for this low-maintenance beauty.

Will Soft Touch Japanese Holly produce berries, and does it need a pollinator?

Soft Touch is a female plant that produces small black berries in fall if pollinated by a nearby male Japanese Holly. The berries persist into winter and provide food for songbirds. Plant a male Japanese Holly within 50 feet for reliable berry production.

What size plants are shipped for Soft Touch Japanese Holly, like gallon pots?

Soft Touch Japanese Holly is typically shipped in 1-gallon containers as young nursery plants. These smaller plants establish quickly and will reach their mature 2-3 foot size within a few growing seasons. Plant in spring or fall for best establishment in zones 5-9.

How is Soft Touch Japanese Holly packaged and shipped to prevent damage?

Soft Touch Japanese Holly ships as a well-rooted container plant with protective packaging around the root ball and branches. The compact 2-3 foot mature size makes it ideal for secure shipping without damage to the flexible foliage. Plant immediately upon arrival or keep the container watered until you're ready to transplant.

What fertilizer should I use for Soft Touch Japanese Holly in spring?

A balanced 10-10-10 or slow-release granular fertilizer works well for Soft Touch Japanese Holly in early spring. Since this is a low-maintenance shrub, light feeding is sufficient. Apply fertilizer around the base in March or April before new growth begins.