What is the common name for Ilex crenata 'Soft Touch'?

Ilex crenata 'Soft Touch' is commonly known as Soft Touch Holly. This particular cultivar is a type of Japanese Holly that is prized for its dense, compact growth and soft, fine-textured foliage. The name "Soft Touch" aptly describes the pleasant, touchable quality of the leaves, which distinguishes it from other holly types that may have sharper or more rigid foliage.

While Dwarf Yaupon Holly and Winterberry Holly are indeed types of hollies, they refer to different species with distinct characteristics and uses in landscaping. Dwarf Yaupon Holly (Ilex vomitoria) is known for its smaller, rounder form and berries. Winterberry Holly (Ilex verticillata) is notable for its vibrant berries that persist through the winter and its deciduous nature. Japanese Holly, on the other hand, encompasses various cultivars including 'Soft Touch,' but does not specifically identify this cultivar. Therefore, Soft Touch Holly is the most accurate and specific common name for Ilex crenata 'Soft Touch.'