Japanese Holly
Ilex crenata
A dense, evergreen shrub or small tree featuring small, glossy, dark green leaves with finely crenate margins and small black spherical fruit structures.
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade, approximately 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
- Water
- Moderate water needs; keep the soil consistently moist but never waterlogged. Established plants have moderate drought tolerance.
- Growth
- Perennial evergreen woody shrub with a dense, branching growth form, maturing to 3 to 10 feet tall and wide depending on the specific cultivar.
Care instructions
Provide full sun to partial shade in moist, well-draining, acidic soil. Water regularly to establish a deep root system, and apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer in spring.
Growing details
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade, approximately 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Watering
Moderate water needs; keep the soil consistently moist but never waterlogged. Established plants have moderate drought tolerance.
Soil
Prefers rich, organic, well-draining soil with an acidic pH range between 4.5 and 6.0.
Hardiness zone
USDA zones 5 through 8
Growth habit
Perennial evergreen woody shrub with a dense, branching growth form, maturing to 3 to 10 feet tall and wide depending on the specific cultivar.
Bloom season
Spring; produces small, inconspicuous white-to-greenish flowers followed by spherical black fruits.
Propagation
Propagated primarily through semi-hardwood cuttings taken in summer or via seeds.
Common pests & issues
Susceptible to root rot in poorly draining soils, as well as leaf miners, spider mites, and scale insects. Prevent by ensuring proper drainage and monitoring foliage.
Similar species
Boxwood (Buxus species) can appear similar, but Japanese holly is distinguished by its alternate leaf arrangement and small black fruits compared to the opposite leaves of boxwoods.