Ilex crenata (Japanese Holly)

Ilex crenata (Japanese Holly) is a slow-growing, evergreen shrub or small tree with shiny foliage of tiny, wavy-toothed, dark green leaves, ½ to 1¼ in. in length (1-3 cm). The smooth rounded leaves resemble those of boxwood. However, Japanese Holly is hardier and more disease resistant.

Ilex crenata (Japanese Holly) is a slow-growing, evergreen shrub or small tree with shiny foliage of tiny, wavy-toothed, dark green leaves, ½ to 1¼ in. in length (1-3 cm). The smooth rounded leaves resemble those of boxwood. However, Japanese Holly is hardier and more disease resistant. Small black fruits follow the tiny white flowers in late summer and fall. The habit is very variable, ranging from a dense, compact, many-branched shrub to a small, upright tree. Easy to grow, Japanese Holly can be pruned, if desired, to manage its size. It is quite popular for foundation planting, massing, and hedges.

  • Grows up to 4-10 ft. tall and wide (120-300 cm).
  • A full sun to part shade lover, this plant is easily grown in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils. This plant is not fussy and tolerates a wide variety of soils. However, it prefers moist, slightly acidic soil with good drainage. Some drought tolerance once established.
  • Perfect for hedges and screens, foundation plantings, city gardens, or cottage gardens.
  • Prune immediately after flowering.
  • May be affected by aphids, scale insects, holly leaf miner, or holly leaf blight. Deer resistant.
  • Propagate by seed or by semi-hardwood cuttings.
  • Native to Asia, from Japan, Korea to Russia.

Requirements

Hardiness 5
– 7

Heat Zones 5
– 7

Climate Zones 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Shrubs, Trees
Plant Family Ilex – Hollies
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early,Mid,Late)Summer (Early,Mid,Late)FallWinter
Height 4'
– 10'
(120cm
– 3m)
Spread 4'
– 10'
(120cm
– 3m)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Evergreen, Fruit & Berries
Tolerance Deer, Drought
Garden Uses Edging, Hedges and Screens
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage