| Common Name: |
Soft Touch Japanese Holly |
| Scientific Name: |
Ilex crenata 'Soft Touch' |
| Other Name(s): |
Aka Boxleaf Holly, Box-leaved Holly |
| Category: |
Shrub |
| Habit: |
Evergreen |
| Texture: |
Medium |
| Form: |
Dense, multi-branched shrub; rounded or semi-globular |
| Flower Description: |
Small, dull, greenish white flowers in spring |
| Fruit Description: |
Black rounded somewhat inconspicuous fruits (drupes to 1/4 in. diameter) which mature in fall on pollinated female plants |
| Foliage Description: |
Alternate, simple, dark green leaves; 0.5-1.3 in. long; crowded on stems |
| Height of Plant: |
10-12 ft. |
| Spread of Plant: |
3-5 ft. |
| Hardiness: |
USDA Zones 6 - 8 |
| Light Requirements: |
Sun to partial shade |
| Water Usage: |
Medium |
| Soil Type: |
Prefers moist, well-drained, acidic soil |
| Native Range: |
Sakhalin Island, Japan, Korea |
| Usage: |
Hedge |
| Propagation: |
Plants are dioecious (male and female flowers on separate plants), so both male and female plants must be present in order for the female plant to be pollinated and produce fruit |
| Photographer: |
Richard Buggeln |
| Location: |
Japanese Garden |