Ilex crenata (Japanese Holly)
Japanese Holly, Boxleaf Holly 'Sky Pencil', Box-leaved 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. 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 | Aquifoliaceae |
| Genus | Ilex |
| Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
| Season of Interest |
Spring (Early, Mid, Late) Summer (Early, Mid, Late) Fall Winter |
| Height |
4' - 10' (120cm - 3m) |
| Spread |
4' - 10' (120cm - 3m) |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Water Needs | Average |
| 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 | Drought, Deer |
| Garden Uses | Edging, Hedges And Screens |
| Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage |
Alternative Plants to Consider
Recommended Companion Plants
Find In One of Our Guides or Gardens
Wendy Cutler (Flickr), Shutterstock
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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 | Aquifoliaceae |
| Genus | Ilex |
| Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
| Season of Interest |
Spring (Early, Mid, Late) Summer (Early, Mid, Late) Fall Winter |
| Height |
4' - 10' (120cm - 3m) |
| Spread |
4' - 10' (120cm - 3m) |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Water Needs | Average |
| 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 | Drought, Deer |
| Garden Uses | Edging, Hedges And Screens |
| Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage |
