Ilex crenata
Japanese holly
I. crenata is a slow-growing, evergreen shrub or small tree, to 6m tall, with glossy, sometimes spiny, wavy-toothed, tiny leaves to 3cm long and nearly 2cm wide. Small white flowers, borne in summer, are followed by black fruits
Size
Ultimate height
4–8 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
1–1.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | White | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | Black | ||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or North–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Aquifoliaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- Potentially harmful
- Berries may cause mild stomach upset if ingested. Wear gloves and wash hands after handling
- Genus
Ilex can be deciduous or evergreen shrubs and trees with often spiny leaves, small white flowers (male and female usually on separate plants) and, on female plants, showy berries in autumn
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Far East
How to grow
Cultivation
Easy to grow in a well-drained soil in a sunny position or part shade. Excellent as a dwarf hedge
Propagation
Propagate by seed or by semi-hardwood cuttings
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Hedging and screens
- Garden edging
Pruning
Pests
Aphids, scale insects and holly leaf miner may be a problem
Diseases
May be affected by holly leaf blight
Get involved
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