Soft Touch Japanese Holly | Ilex crenata 'Soft Touch' | Quart, 1 & 3 Gallon

Planting and Care Instructions

Proper planting and care are essential for the long-term health and beauty of your Soft Touch Holly Shrub. Follow these steps to ensure your shrub thrives:

Planting

• Location: Start by selecting a location that provides well-drained soil and receives full to partial sunlight (approximately 4 to 8 hours of sunlight per day).
• Hole Preparation: Dig a hole that is twice the diameter of the root ball and of the same depth.
• Moistening the Hole: Moisten the hole with water before placing the plant's roots into it.
• Planting: Carefully place the Soft Touch Holly's roots into the hole, ensuring that it's positioned at the same level as it was in its previous container.
• Backfill and Tamp: Fill the hole with soil, gently tamping it down around the roots to eliminate any air pockets.

Watering

• Establishment Period: Keep the plant consistently moist during its first year to help establish strong root systems. In general, water the plant at least once a week, especially during dry periods, to encourage optimum growth.
• Subsequent Years: After the first year, reduce watering frequency to times of extended drought. Soft Touch Holly is relatively drought-tolerant once established.

Fertilizing

• Timing: Apply a general-purpose fertilizer in the early spring or fall to provide essential nutrients.
• Follow Instructions: Always follow the instructions on the fertilizer label for the correct application ratios.

Pruning

• Season: Prune your Soft Touch Holly shrub during the fall or winter when it is in its dormant phase.
• Remove Dead/Branches: During pruning, remove any broken or dead branches to promote overall health and aesthetics.
• Control Growth: Since Soft Touch Holly can spread through root suckers, occasional pruning of suckers is necessary to control its growth and maintain its desired shape.

In conclusion, Soft Touch Holly Shrub, with its soft and flexible foliage, year-round beauty, adaptability, and compact size, is a standout choice for gardeners seeking effortless elegance and charm in their outdoor spaces. By following the planting and care instructions provided and considering the answers to frequently asked questions, you can ensure the success and enjoyment of this remarkable shrub in your garden.

Discover the beauty and ease of Soft Touch Holly Shrub by ordering yours today from onlinetrees.com. Elevate your garden's aesthetic and invite nature's wonders with this exceptional addition to your landscape.