Ilex crenata aka Japanese Holly
Taxonomy
Ilex crenata, also known as Japanese holly or box-leaved holly, is a flowering plant in the Aquifoliaceae family. Native to eastern China, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, and Sakhalin, this evergreen shrub or small tree can reach heights of 3-5 meters (rarely 10 meters) with a trunk diameter of up to 20 centimeters. The glossy dark green leaves are small, measuring 10-30 mm long and 10-17 mm broad, with a wavy margin and sometimes spines. The plants are dioecious, meaning they have separate male and female plants, and produce white, four-lobed flowers. The fruit is a black drupe with a diameter of 5 mm, containing four seeds. Japanese holly thrives in acidic soil with a pH ranging from 3.7 to 6.0.
This compact and dense evergreen shrub has glossy dark green foliage. It grows slowly and is a good alternative to boxwood, tolerating pollution well. In spring, small white flowers appear, followed by small black berries in autumn, although some varieties may produce white or yellow berries. Japanese holly plants resemble boxwood and are often used as hedges or foundation shrubs. They can range in height from 3 to 10 feet and have a rounded shape. It's important to choose a cultivar carefully as growth rates can vary. However, it should be noted that Japanese holly is considered invasive in the Lower Hudson Valley.
Common names
Japanese Holly, Box Leaf Holly, Box Leaved HollyHow to care for Japanese Holly
Difficulty
Caring for Japanese Holly is a breeze, as it is highly adaptable and forgiving to minor neglect.
Water
Japanese Holly should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Soil
Japanese Holly is very sensitive to dry soil. To ensure your Box Leaf Holly is thriving and blooming, choose a potting soil that retains moisture. A good soil should still allow for adequate drainage and contain lots of organic matter. Coco coir or sphagnum moss are great soil additives that will help to retain moisture and provide your Box Leaf Holly with the nutrients it needs for healthy growth. Make sure to mix these soil additives into the potting soil before planting and water the soil thoroughly. By providing your Japanese Holly with a well-draining, moisture-retaining soil, you can help to maximize its growth and keep it blooming.
Lighting
To ensure optimal growth, the Japanese Holly prefers bright indirect light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.
Toxicity
Japanese Holly is poisonous if ingested. We suggest keeping this plant out of reach if you have children, cats, or dogs in the home.
Fertilizer
The Japanese Holly grows at a slow pace and doesn't require any supplementary fertilizers. By renewing its potting soil once a year, it should receive enough nourishment. Remember, plants obtain their energy from sunlight, not fertilizers.
Region of origin
Japanese Holly’s native range is E. Asia - China, Japan, Korea.
More info:
Wikipedia
