Ilex Touch of Gold®

Touch of Gold® is the trade name for Ilex crenata 'Adorned', a dwarf, rounded evergreen holly. Its bright golden-variegated leaves, often marked with green, keep the mound colorful through the year. [Concept Plants](https://conceptplants.com/varieties/ilex-crenata-touch-of-gold-adorned), [Flowerwood Nursery](https://flowerwood.com/plant-name/Ilex-crenata-Touch-of-Gold), and the [Southern Living Plant Collection](https://southernlivingplants.com/the-collection/plant/touch-of-gold-holly/) identify the selection and its foliage. ## Siting and Size Plant in full sun to part shade in well-drained soil; Southern Living’s [care sheet](https://southernlivingplants.com/wp-content/uploads/Ilex-Touch-of-Gold.pdf) recommends garden soil with rich organic matter and medium water. Product listings give a mature size near 2 ft tall by 4 ft wide, while [Plant Delights Nursery](https://www.plantdelights.com/products/ilex-crenata-adorned) reports a garden-grown mound 18 in tall by 5 ft wide after ten years without pruning. These are differing cultivated observations, and the final spread varies with growing conditions. Sources list USDA Zones 6–9 ([Concept Plants](https://conceptplants.com/varieties/ilex-crenata-touch-of-gold-adorned); [Southern Living care sheet](https://southernlivingplants.com/wp-content/uploads/Ilex-Touch-of-Gold.pdf)). ## Landscape Uses Use Touch of Gold at the front of a border, in a low hedge, group planting, rock garden or container, or as a compact foundation accent. Its evergreen golden foliage brings year-round contrast among darker green shrubs; the [brand page](https://southernlivingplants.com/the-collection/plant/touch-of-gold-holly/) also describes it for borders, low hedges, containers and foundation plantings. ## Maintenance Choose a well-drained site and water moderately, with closer attention during establishment and dry spells. Southern Living notes drought tolerance once established. The plant naturally forms a dwarf mound, and exact-selection sources say pruning is not needed; trim only if you want to adjust its outline.