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Ilex crenata (Japanese Holly)

Japanese Holly, Boxleaf Holly 'Sky Pencil', Box-leaved Holly

Ilex crenata, Japanese Holly, Boxleaf Holly 'Sky Pencil', Box-leaved Holly, evergreen shrub, Black Berries, Blue Berries
Ilex crenata, Japanese Holly, Boxleaf Holly 'Sky Pencil', Box-leaved Holly, evergreen shrub, Black Berries, Blue Berries

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
Common names Japanese Holly, Holly
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
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Ilex vomitoria f. pendula (Weeping Yaupon Holly)
Ilex cornuta ‘Needlepoint’ (Chinese Holly)
Ilex cassine (Dahoon)
Ilex Golden Oakland® (Holly)
Ilex verticillata (Winterberry)
Ilex decidua (Possumhaw)

Recommended Companion Plants

Calamagrostis x acutiflora ‘Karl Foerster’ (Feather Reed Grass)
Hydrangea arborescens (Smooth Hydrangea)
Acer palmatum ‘Bloodgood’ (Japanese Maple)
Pittosporum tobira ‘Nanum’ (Mock Orange)
Carex oshimensis ‘Everest’ (Japanese Sedge)
Ophiopogon planiscapus ‘Nigrescens’ (Black Mondo)

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Shrubs and Trees with Colorful Fruits and Berries in Winter
Native Plant Alternatives to Ilex aquifolium (English Holly)
Attractive Evergreen Shrubs and Trees with Red Fruits and Berries
Attractive Deciduous Shrubs and Trees with Red Fruits and Berries
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.
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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
Common names Japanese Holly, Holly
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
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Ilex (Holly)
Guides with
Ilex (Holly)
Not sure which Ilex (Holly) to pick?
Compare Now

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