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Ilex crenata (Japanese holly)

Ilex crenata Photo/Illustration: Michelle Gervais



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Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Botanical Name: Ilex crenata EYE-leks kren-AY-tah Common Name: Japanese holly Genus: Ilex
This dense, evergreen holly reaches 6 to 10 feet tall and at least as wide. The species is rarely used in landscapes, but there are many cultivars available with more interesting shape and color. This plant grows slowly, but can be invasive. Its dark green leaves are lustrous and the black fruit is hidden beneath them, so it is not obvious as in other hollies. Use Japanese holly in foundation plantings, hedges, beds and borders, or formal gardens.
 Care: Provide full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained soil in a sheltered location. Prefers slightly acidic soil.   
 Propagation: From cuttings.
 Problems: Foliar burn, spider mites, chlorosis, Thielaviopsis blight.
Height 6 ft. to 10 ft.
Spread 6 ft. to 10 ft.
Growth Habit Clumps
Growth Pace Invasive/Aggressive Grower;Slow Grower
Light Full Sun to Part Shade
Moisture Medium Moisture
Maintenance Moderate
Characteristics Showy Foliage
Bloom Time Spring
Foliage Color Evergreen
Flower Color White Flower
Uses Beds and Borders, Hedge
Style Formal Garden
Seasonal Interest Winter Interest, Spring Interest, Summer Interest, Fall Interest
Type Shrubs,Trees

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