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Plant Profiles / Japanese holly
Photos: Wikimedia Commons
Japanese holly
Ilex crenata · Box-leaved holly
A small-leaved evergreen that looks like box and clips into balls, cones and hedges.
Sun to part shadeLight
WeeklyWater
EasyCare level
Care at a glance
Light
Sun to part shade
ShadeFull sun
Adaptable.
Water
Weekly
DryWet
Even.
Humidity
Average
LowHigh
Adaptable.
Temperature
-20–32°C (-4–90°F)
CoolWarm
Hardy.
Growth
Slow
SlowFast
1 m clipped.
Soil
Acidic mix
LeanRich
Potting mix.
Fertiliser
Spring
RarelyOften
Slow-release.
Pet safety
Toxic
SafeToxic
Berries toxic.
About this plant
Native to Japan. A popular box alternative resistant to box blight.
Best spots
Formal pots, low hedges and doorways.
Plant facts
| Botanical name | Ilex crenata |
| Family | Aquifoliaceae |
| Origin | Japan |
| Plant type | Shrub |
| Mature size | 1 m clipped |
| Growth rate | Slow |
| Foliage | Small glossy |
| Toxicity | Toxic to pets |
| Propagation | Cuttings |
Seasonal care calendar
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Prune
Fertilise
PruneFertilise
Based on Southern Hemisphere seasons.
Troubleshooting
| Yellow | pH. |
| Mites | Hose. |
| Rot | Wet. |
| Brown | Dry. |
| Sparse | Clip more. |
Common questions
Box alternative?
Yes.
Topiary?
Yes.
Toxic?
Berries.
Pots?
Yes.
