Japanese Holly

About this plant

Ilex crenata 'Soft Touch' lives up to its name with exceptionally smooth, spineless leaves that resemble boxwood but offer superior disease resistance. This compact, densely growing evergreen maintains a naturally neat, rounded form, making it a low-maintenance choice for formal and informal garden designs. Ideal for foundational plantings, low hedges, or even container gardening, its petite, dark green foliage provides a sophisticated backdrop for flowering plants or acts as a refined border. While inconspicuous white flowers appear in spring, they transform into charming black berries in fall, adding subtle seasonal interest. 'Soft Touch' is a versatile and durable shrub, thriving in a variety of conditions and offering excellent cold hardiness. Its refined texture and consistent color make it a premium selection for those seeking enduring beauty with minimal effort.

Installation timing

When we're in season, outside of the winter months, our goal is to get your plants installed within about two weeks. That window gives us enough time to secure your plants from our supplier and find a spot on the schedule. Throughout the process we stay in touch through notifications and your existing client portal on the main A Cut Above website, which is separate from this landscaping plants shop.

Care & maintenance

Requires minimal pruning to maintain its attractive shape. Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges. Fertilize in spring with a balanced slow-release fertilizer. Protect from harsh winter winds in exposed locations.

Watering suggestions

Proper watering is the single most important factor in your plant's survival after installation. Newly installed plants have a limited root system and rely on you for consistent moisture while they establish.

• First 2 weeks: Water deeply every day (or every other day in cooler, wet weather), soaking the root ball and surrounding soil.
• Weeks 3–12: Water deeply 2–3 times per week, adjusting for rain, heat, and soil drainage.
• After establishment: Water deeply about once a week during the growing season, and more often in extreme heat or drought.
• How to check: Stick a finger 2–3 inches into the soil near the roots — if it's dry, it's time to water. Deep, less-frequent watering encourages strong roots; shallow daily sprinkles do not.
• Avoid: Overwatering (soggy, waterlogged soil) is just as harmful as underwatering and can drown roots.

Watering needs vary by plant, season, soil, and exposure. Because proper watering is the customer's responsibility after installation, please make sure you understand and can follow these suggestions before ordering.

Good to know: plants and trees purchased from and installed by A Cut Above include a one-year limited warranty from the date of installation. Because plant survival depends heavily on proper watering and care after installation, losses caused by improper care, neglect, animal or chemical damage, or extreme weather are not covered, and we must be given the chance to inspect a struggling plant before it's removed or replaced. Coverage is one replacement per plant. Read our warranty info.