Ilex Crenata Soft Touch Green #3

If you love the look of a Boxwood hedge, the Soft Touch Holly is the disease-resistant alternative for your landscape needs.

Here at Mitchell's, we often see homeowners in King and Winston-Salem make the same mistake: planting foundation shrubs that eventually grow tall enough to block their windows. The Soft Touch solves that problem before it starts. It is a low-growing, mounding shrub that knows how to stay polite and compact without fight it.

Despite being a holly, this variety lives up to its name. It has zero spines/thorns. The leaves are small, glossy, and flexible, giving them a soft texture that feels great and looks elegant year-round.

Why we recommend them for NC Piedmont Triad yards:

• The "Un-Boxwood": This is our favorite substitute for Boxwoods. You get that classic, formal green look, but with the hardiness of a holly. It stands up much better to our humid summers.

• Safe for Scuffles: Because it lacks the sharp points of traditional hollies, it is perfect for lining sidewalks, driveways, or areas where the dog or kids like to run.

• Low Maintenance: This is a dense, self-branching plant. While you can shear it if you want a formal shape, it naturally grows into a beautiful, soft cushion without much help.

Best Used For: Low hedges, edging along walkways, mass plantings, or under low windows where you need green color without the height.

The Soft Touch Holly is a slow-to-moderate grower, generally topping out at a manageable 2–3 feet tall and wide. It is versatile enough to handle full sun or partial shade. For more technical details on Ilex crenata culture, check out the NC State Extension Plant Toolbox [ilex crenata] or come chat with us at the nursery to see how soft they really are.