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Ilex crenata

Japanese Holly

Low Maintenance Hardiness H6

Small glossy evergreen leaves and dense twiggy growth make Ilex crenata one of the closest visual alternatives to box. It clips well for low hedging and topiary but needs acidic to neutral, freely draining soil and performs poorly on lime-rich or persistently waterlogged ground.
SKU: ILEX-282-Y
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Plant Details

Flowering Months

January, not a flowering month
February, not a flowering month
March, not a flowering month
April, not a flowering month
May, flowering month
June, flowering month
July, not a flowering month
August, not a flowering month
September, not a flowering month
October, not a flowering month
November, not a flowering month
December, not a flowering month

Size

Max Height
4.0 m — 8.0 m
Max Spread
1.0 m — 1.5 m
Growth Habit
Densely branched plant with compact, leafy, rounded overall shape.

Planting Position

Sunlight Indicates how much direct sunlight the plant needs each day. Full sun means 6+ hours, part shade is filtered or morning sun, and full shade is little to no direct sun.
Full Sun Part Shade
Aspect Aspect refers to the direction the planting spot faces (north, south, east or west). It affects light levels, warmth and exposure.
South East West
Exposure Exposure describes how sheltered or exposed a plant’s position is, particularly to wind and weather.
Exposed / Sheltered
Hardiness Hardiness indicates how well a plant tolerates cold conditions outdoors. Higher ratings generally mean greater frost tolerance.
Hardiness H6 (−20 to −15 °C) Very cold-hardy

Ideal Soil Conditions

Soil Type Soil type describes the texture of the soil (clay, sand, loam, chalk). This affects drainage, nutrients and how roots grow.
Chalk Loam Sand
Soil Moisture Soil moisture tells you how wet or dry the soil should be for best growth. Match this to your garden conditions for healthier plants.
Moist but permeable / Free draining
Soil pH Soil pH measures how acidic or alkaline the soil is. It affects nutrient availability and can impact plant growth.
Acid Alkaline Neutral

Plant Uses & Merits

Uses
  • Patios / Courtyards
  • Coastal Areas
  • Flower Borders
  • Edging
Merits
  • Low Maintenance

Ilex crenata Description

Ilex crenata, Japanese holly, is a dense evergreen shrub with small, oval, glossy leaves and fine branching that closely resembles box at a distance. It responds well to clipping and is widely used for formal hedging, topiary, containers and evergreen structure. Mature size varies considerably with cultivar, with the species capable of reaching several metres if left unpruned. Grow in full sun or partial shade in fertile, acidic to neutral soil that remains moisture-retentive but drains freely. It dislikes strongly alkaline or chalky ground and can struggle where roots remain saturated through winter. In heavier Irish soils, raised planting or additional drainage may be helpful. Trim in late spring and again in summer where a formal outline is required.

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