Pollination Information for Holly 'Soft Touch' (Ilex crenata Soft Touch)

Holly 'Soft Touch' (Ilex crenata Soft Touch) is a low-growing, compact shrub that produces small white flowers in the spring. In order for these flowers to be pollinated and produce berries, proper pollination is essential.

Pollination Process

Holly 'Soft Touch' is primarily pollinated by bees and other flying insects. These pollinators visit the flowers to collect nectar and pollen, inadvertently transferring pollen from one flower to another as they move between plants.

Self-Pollination

While holly plants are known to be self-pollinating to some extent, having pollinators such as bees present can greatly increase the chances of successful pollination and fruit set.

Cross-Pollination

For optimal fruit production, it is recommended to plant more than one holly variety in the vicinity to encourage cross-pollination. This can help to ensure a greater diversity of genetics and improve the overall health of the plant.

Attracting Pollinators

To attract pollinators to your holly 'Soft Touch' plants, avoid using pesticides that can harm beneficial insects. Planting other flowering plants nearby can also help attract bees and other pollinators to your garden.

Holly 'Soft Touch' (Ilex crenata Soft Touch) FAQ

1. What is Holly 'Soft Touch'?

Holly 'Soft Touch' is a variety of Ilex crenata, commonly known as Japanese holly. It is a compact, dense evergreen shrub that is prized for its soft, rounded foliage and petite size.

2. How tall and wide does Holly 'Soft Touch' grow?

Holly 'Soft Touch' typically grows to a height of 2-3 feet and a width of 2-3 feet, making it ideal for small gardens, borders, and containers.

3. What are the growing conditions for Holly 'Soft Touch'?

Holly 'Soft Touch' thrives in full sun to partial shade and well-draining, slightly acidic soil. It is drought-tolerant once established and requires minimal maintenance.

4. How do I prune Holly 'Soft Touch'?

Pruning Holly 'Soft Touch' is best done in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges. You can shape the shrub and remove any dead or damaged branches using sharp pruning shears.

5. Does Holly 'Soft Touch' produce berries?

Yes, Holly 'Soft Touch' is dioecious, meaning it has separate male and female plants. Female plants may produce small black berries if pollinated by a nearby male plant.

6. Is Holly 'Soft Touch' deer-resistant?

Holly 'Soft Touch' is considered deer-resistant due to its spiny leaves, which deter browsing animals. However, no plant is entirely deer-proof, so it's always good to take precautions.

7. Can I use Holly 'Soft Touch' for hedging?

Yes, Holly 'Soft Touch' makes an excellent low hedge due to its compact, dense growth habit. It can be sheared to maintain a formal shape or left to grow naturally for a more informal look.

Planting & Care for Holly 'Soft Touch' (Ilex crenata Soft Touch)

Holly 'Soft Touch' is a compact and dense evergreen shrub with small, glossy green foliage. Here are some tips for planting and caring for Holly 'Soft Touch':

Planting:

• Choose a location with well-drained soil and full to partial sun.
• Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and at the same depth as the root ball. Amend the soil with organic matter if necessary.
• Place the plant in the hole and backfill with soil, gently tamping it down as you go.
• Water thoroughly after planting.

Care:

• Water regularly, especially during dry periods, to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
• Apply a slow-release fertilizer in spring to promote healthy growth.
• Prune as needed to maintain the desired shape and size, typically in early spring before new growth appears.
• Protect plants from strong winds and winter sun to prevent leaf burn.
• Mulch around the base of the plant to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

By following these planting and care guidelines, you can enjoy the beauty of Holly 'Soft Touch' in your garden for years to come.