Compact japanese holly is a versatile plant that can be used as a hedge, accent, or foundation planting. It is an evergreen that has small, dark green leaves and can grow up to 6 feet tall. This plant is drought tolerant and does not require much maintenance.
Also called
- Japanese holly
- Asiatic holly
- Chinese holly
- Indian holly
- Himalayan holly
Common Knowledge
- Compact Japanese holly is an evergreen plant that can be found in East Asia.
- It is a popular choice for bonsai trees due to its small size.
- The leaves of the compact Japanese holly are usually dark green in color.
- This plant requires little maintenance and can be easily grown in containers.
- Compact Japanese holly can be susceptible to root rot, so it is important to make sure the plant has good drainage.
- This plant can be propagated by rooting stem cuttings in moist sand.
- The compact Japanese holly is not tolerant of frost and should be protected from cold weather.
- This plant requires full sun to partial shade and should be protected from wind.
- The compact Japanese holly should be watered regularly, but allowed to dry out between watering.
- This plant can be susceptible to leaves scorching in hot, direct sunlight.
Related plant:
Viburnum Opulus Compactum
How to Grow
- For compact japanese holly, first step is to find good quality seeds.
- Next step is to plant the seeds in well-drained, fertile soil.
- Water the seeds regularly and keep the soil moist.
- When the seedlings are big enough, thin them out so that only the strongest plants remain.
- Apply a balanced fertilizer to the japanese holly plants.
- Prune the plants regularly to encourage compact growth.
- water the plants deeply but infrequently to encourage deep roots.
- Harvest the compact japanese holly berries when they are ripe.
- Preserve the berries for future use.
- Enjoy your healthy and delicious compact japanese holly berries!
Related plant:
Euonymus Compactus
The Soil
About soil condition, the best thing for this plant is well-drained soils, as it doesn't like to stay wet for too long. If the soil is too heavy or clay-like, it won't do well. It's best to amend the soil with some organic matter to help with drainage.
Light condition
So, like the other hollies, the compact Japanese holly (Ilex crenata) prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade, especially in hot summer climates. In fact, too much direct sun may scorch the leaves of this slow-growing evergreen. Even in shade, however, the plant needs good air circulation to prevent leaf drop.
Good Temperature
The temperature condition that is best for compact Japanese holly is one that is cool and moist. They do not like it when it is too hot or too dry. If the temperature is too hot, the leaves will start to turn yellow and then brown. If it is too dry, the leaves will begin to drop off.
Humidity Requirement
Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 50% and above. The plant will do well in intense sun and heat but needs some afternoon shade in hot climate areas. It is one of the more drought tolerant hollies.
Fertilizing
The fertilizer, this family of plant can live on neglect but to produce leaves, flowers and berries, they will need a little help. The key is to use a fertilizer that is high in phosphorus. Phosphorus helps the plant to produce energy, which is essential for blooming. It is also important for root development. A fertilizer with a ratio such as 10-20-10 or 8-24-24 is ideal.
Light requirement
Pruning is a critical step in the care of a compact Japanese holly plant. It helps to control the plant's shape and size, and encourages new growth. Pruning also helps to remove any dead or diseased branches.
About Propagating
Propagation of compact Japanese holly is best done by rooting hardwood cuttings taken from the plant in late winter or early spring. The cuttings should be 8 to 10 inches long and should be taken from new growth. Cuttings should be taken from the plant just before new growth begins to harden off.
Plant Growth
Usually, the plant growth rate is about 12 inches per year. These plants are usually dense and bushy in nature. They have small, dark green leaves and produce small white flowers in the spring. The fruit is a small black berry that is poisonous to humans.
The Problems
Common problems for this kind of plant are scale, aphids, and caterpillars. Scale can be controlled with horticultural oil, while aphids can be controlled with insecticidal soap. Caterpillars can be controlled with Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis), a biological insecticide.
Basics of Growing
- Make sure to plant your compact Japanese holly in an area that receives full sun.
- It is important to amend the soil before planting. Add organic matter to the soil to improve drainage and aeration.
- Be sure to space plants properly to allow for proper air circulation.
- Water the plants regularly, particularly during dry spells.
- Fertilize the plants every few weeks during the growing season.
- Prune the plants regularly to maintain their compact shape.
- Protect the plants from strong winds by staking them or planting them in a sheltered location.
- Be on the lookout for pests and diseases. Treat problems promptly to prevent serious damage.
- Harvest the berries when they are ripe.
- Enjoy your beautiful compact Japanese holly plants!
Similar Plants
- Buxus microphylla subsp. Japonica, known as littleleaf boxwood or Japanese boxwood, needleleaf boxwood or Japanese littleleaf boxwood, is a species of Buxus indigenous to Japan, Korea, and much of China.
- Ilex crenata, known as Japanese holly, box-leaved holly, and crenate holly, is a species of flowering plant in the holly family, Ilicaceae, that is native to eastern Asia including China, Japan, and Korea.
- Ilex latifolia, known as Carolina holly or mountain holly, is a plant in the holly genus Ilex native to the southeastern United States from Virginia and Delaware south to central Florida, west to Texas and into northern Mexico.
- Ilex glabra, the inkberry, gallberry or Appalachian Holly, is a species of holly native to eastern North America, from Newfoundland
Source:
Ilex crenata Japanese Holly - plantfacts.osu.edu
Carletons Japanese Garden Carleton College
Common Insect Pests of Holly - University of Kentucky
Reviewed & Published by Richelle
Submitted by our contributor
