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Public Plant Profile

Soft Touch Holly

Ilex crenata 'Soft Touch'

Category: Evergreen Shrub • Holly

Soft Touch Holly is an evergreen shrub ideal for foundation planting and accents, featuring dense foliage and low maintenance needs.

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Mature Height: 2-3 feet

Mature Width: 2-3 feet

Light: Part Sun/Part Shade

Zone: Zones 5-9

Maintenance: Low

Growth Rate: Moderate

Season of Interest: Multi-season

Foliage: Evergreen

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Bold Outdoors Verified Insight

Designed & Reviewed by

Josh Graber

Owner and Landscape Designer · Kansas State University · 25+ Years Experience

B.S. in Horticulture and Landscape Design – Kansas State University

25+ years of industry experience

Description

Soft Touch Holly is a charming evergreen shrub known for its soft, needle-like foliage. It adds a lush, green touch to gardens and landscapes, thriving in various conditions. This low-maintenance plant is perfect for borders or as a foundation planting, providing year-round interest.

Ideal Conditions

Prefers partial to full shade and well-drained soil. Tolerates a range of moisture levels.

Soil Preferences

Well-drained soil is ideal, with moderate moisture. Prefers slightly acidic to neutral pH and adapts to various soil types.

Sun Needs

Part Sun/Part Shade

Landscape Guidance

Landscape Use

foundation plantingaccent

Special Features

Dense foliageevergreen

Wildlife Value

Attracts birds and provides habitat.

Resistance / Tolerance

Drought tolerant once established.

Notes from Our Designer

Great for low hedges and borders. Provides year-round interest with its lush green leaves.

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Design Ideas Using This Plant

Use this page to get a feel for where Soft Touch Holly may fit in the landscape, then explore similar plants below for more ideas on form, texture, and overall planting style.

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Helpful Next Steps

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Soft Touch Holly a good fit for Kansas City landscapes?

That depends on sun exposure, moisture, spacing, and how the plant will be used in the overall design. Bold Outdoors evaluates those practical conditions before recommending a plant broadly.

How should homeowners use this plant information?

Use the plant profile as a planning tool for size, conditions, and visual role, then connect it to the broader landscape design and installation plan for the property.

Next Step

Ready to plan your landscape?

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