Japanese Holly

(Ilex crenata `Helleri')

August 1996

Summary:

Foliage: Evergreen broadleaf
Height: 2 to 10 feet
Spread: 2 to 10 feet
Shape: Spreading

A compact, mounded shrub with small, spineless, dark-green leaves and black fruit.

Plant Needs:

Zone: 5 to 8
Light: Partial shade
Moisture: Moist
Soil Type: Sandy, loam, or clay
pH Range: 3.7 to 6.0

Functions:

Suggested uses for this plant include border, foundation, hedge and massing.

Planting Notes:

Select plants with balled and burlapped roots or container-grown plants.
Prefers light, moist, well-drained, slightly acid soils.

Care:

Can be pruned after new growth turns to darker green.
Tolerates severe pruning.
Mulch to protect tender roots from freezing injury.

Problems:

Damage to plant from spider mites in hot, dry locations can be serious.
Scale and nematodes are a problem in sandy soils.

Alternatives:

Consult local sources, including historic or public gardens and arboreta, regarding cultivars and related species that grow well in your area.

Cultivars of ILEX CRENATA:
`Helleri' (shown), is a compact form that reaches 4 feet at maturity.
`Convexa' has dark-green, convex leaves. One of the hardiest forms, but is a heavy fruit producer. May reach 9 feet tall and 24 feet wide.
`Hetzii' a dwarf form of `Convexa'. Grows 2 to 3 feet in height.
`Roundleaf' is a male selection that does not produce berries. It is more subject to winter injury. Will grow 5 to 10 feet tall and 5 to 12 feet wide.

Comments:

A versatile evergreen shrub with varied uses depending on the cultivar.
Select cultivar with a mature height that is appropriate to location to avoid heavy pruning.

Additional Materials:

The PRUNING SERIES videotape can be ordered through your local Extension office.
The following Extension publications are available through your local Extension office or directly from: Virginia Tech Extension Distribution Center 112 Landsdowne St. Blacksburg, VA 24061
#426-500 "Winter Injury to Trees and Shrubs"
#426-607 "Selecting Landscape Plants - Broad-leaved Evergreens"

This material was developed by Carol Ness as part of the Interactive Design and Development Project funded by the Kellogg Foundation. Mary Miller, Project Director. Diane Relf, Content Specialist, Horticulture. Copyright 1989 by VCE.

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