Japanese Holly (Ilex crenata)

Japanese Holly

(Ilex crenata)

CC BY-SA 3.0

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Copyright Notice: Photo by: (c)2006 Derek Ramsey (Ram-Man). Chanticleer Garden | License Type: CC BY-SA 3.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/ | Uploader: Ram-Man | Publisher: Wikimedia Commons | Title: Japanese_Holly_Ilex_crenata_'Sky_Pencil'_Leaves_3264px.jpg | Notes: {{Information |Description ={{en|1=Location taken: Merrifield Garden Center, Fairfax VA USA. Names: Prunus x yedoensis, Yoshino Cherry, Yoshino Flowering Cherr Classification: Plantae > Tracheophy

Estimated Native Range

Summary

Ilex crenata, commonly known as Japanese Holly, is an evergreen shrub or small tree native to forest margins, hillsides, and coastal areas in East Asia, including Japan, Korea, and parts of China and the Russian Far East. It typically grows to a height of 3–5 meters (rarely up to 10 meters) and has a trunk diameter of up to 20 cm. The species is dioecious, with small, white, four-lobed flowers that bloom in late spring to early summer. The flowers are somewhat inconspicuous, but they give way to shiny black drupes, each about 5 mm in diameter, which can be quite decorative and persist into winter.

Japanese Holly is valued for its dense, boxwood-like evergreen foliage, making it a favorite for formal gardens, hedges, and topiary, as well as bonsai. It is adaptable to a range of soil pH levels, from acidic to slightly alkaline, but prefers a pH between 3.7 and 6.0. It thrives in full sun to part shade and requires well-drained soils with consistent moisture. While it can tolerate some drought once established, it benefits from mulching to maintain soil moisture. Gardeners should be aware that Ilex crenata can become invasive in some regions, such as parts of the United States, and should check local regulations before planting. Additionally, it can be susceptible to pests like scale insects and leaf miners, and diseases such as root rot in poorly drained soils.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

Plant Type: Tree, Shrub
Height: 5-10 feet
Width: 5-8 feet
Growth Rate: Slow
Flower Color: N/A
Flowering Season: Spring
Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
Water: Medium
Drainage: Fast, Medium

Common Uses

Bank Stabilization, Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Erosion Control, Fragrant, Hedges, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant, Rabbit Resistant, Rock Garden, Salt Tolerant, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

Forest margins, hillsides, and coastal areas in East Asia

Other Names

Common Names: Box-Leaf Holly, Box-Leaved Holly, Japanische Stechpalme, Houx Crénelé, Japanse Hulst, Japansk Järnek, 꽝꽝나무, 좀꽝꽝나무, Box Leaved Holly

Scientific Names: , Ilex crenata, Ilex crenata f. helleri, Ilex crenata var. helleri, Ilex helleri, Ilex crenata var. microphylla, Ilex crenata var. fukasawana, Ilex crenata f. luzonica, Ilex crenata var. tokarensis, Ilex crenata f. microphylla

GBIF Accepted Name: Ilex crenata Thunb.