Japanese holly plants
Japanese holly, also known by its botanical name Ilex Crenata, is an excellent compact evergreen shrub or hedging plant, increasingly used as an alternative to box plants due to its superior disease resistance. It has small, glossy, ovate evergreen foliage and a compact growth habit, similar in appearance to box, well suited to developing into a dense, low hedge of up to 1.5-2 metres tall. Japanese holly is also popular for growing as topiary plants – we have a range of spirals, cones and pyramids available which are quickly becoming some of our best sellers. It is robust, hardy and low maintenance with a slow growth rate of 10-20cm per year, making it easier to maintain with one clip per year once it has reached the desired height – although you may choose to clip twice per year to maintain a very tight, dense, more formal appearance. Unfussy about site and situation, Japanese holly will succeed in chalky and clay soils and tolerate strong winds and salt-laden air, making it suitable for coastal locations. Inconspicuous white spring flowers are followed by small black oval berries in autumn.