Ilex crenata
Japanese holly, Box leaved holly
Also known as Celastrus adenophylla
- Height × spread
- 2.5m × 2m
- Position
- All conditions
- Hardiness
- Very cold to -20C (RHS H6)
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
An evergreen shrub or small tree that bears little resemblance to a conventional holly. It is very slow growing and generally stands around a metre in height, though can be 3 times that. Some forms have a tendency to spread whilst others are upright. It is dense, rather stiff and packed with small lance-shaped leaves. These may have a few small teeth but could not be considered to be prickly. The flowers scarcely notice but there are black berries. It is a tolerant and undemanding plant that can be clipped to make small hedges. It is clipped and shaped into many forms in its homeland of Japan. In the UK it is best known through a good range of interesting, sometimes very garden-worthy cultivars.
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Stem colour
- Grey
- Fruit colour
- Black
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Dome
- Height
- 2.5m
- Spread
- 2m
- Season of interest
- Autumn, Winter
- Evergreen
- Evergreen
- Garden style
- Small scale garden, Shady court, Seaside garden
- Sun or shade
- All conditions
- Soil type
- Loam (normal)
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil, Well drained soil
- Hardiness
- Very cold to -20C (RHS H6)
- Borders & containers
- Borders and containers
- Use for
- Hedge, Topiary, Ground cover, Bird attraction
- Deer
- Deer particularly enjoy the foliage of oriental hollies
- Maintenance
- Easycare – low/no maintenance
- Hazards
- No
Spring
Spring - late · Outdoors
Feed young plants with slow release fertiliser
Spread a slow release fertiliser around the base of the plant to the edge of the foliage spread, so that it can feed the roots. It is helpful for this to be applied for several years.
This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost until the plant becomes well established.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water to keep the soil moist
For best results, this plant needs soil that is always moist. Water deeply and regularly as soon as soil appears dry. Even for established plants in the ground, a dry week can cause problems with some soils. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather. Or install an automatic irrigation system which will do the hard work for you, even when you are away on holiday.
Without regular watering some plants never fully regain their beauty.
Planting & general
Outdoor planting · Planting
Add root growth stimulant to the planting hole
Mycorrhizal fungi helps roots establish quickly, so they absorb water and nutrients more efficiently. It comes as a powder, granule or gel. Add to the planting hole or container, and to the plant's rootball before planting in the hole. For "bareroot" plants use a gel.
Hedges · Planting
Suitable for small hedges
This is suitable for a small hedge to use within a garden. It can divide areas while allowing a clear view over its top.
Found in
More Ilex
Ilex
Holly
Ilex aquifolium
Common holly, English holly, Hulver bush
Ilex aquifolium 'Argentea Marginata'
Silver-margined holly, Broad leaved silver holly
Ilex aquifolium 'Ferox Argentea'
Silver hedging holly, Hedgehog holly
Ilex aquifolium 'J.C. Van Tol'
Common holly, English holly, Hulver bush
Ilex aquifolium 'Silver Queen'
Common holly, English holly, Hulver bush
Ilex crenata 'Convexed Gold'
Japanese holly, Box leaved holly
Ilex crenata 'Golden Gem'
Golden box leaved holly, Japanese holly, Box leaved holly