Maintenance Landscaping Design

Japanese holly is an evergreen shrub that is native to Japan, China, and Korea. It is a popular plant in gardens and landscapes due to its compact growth habit and dark green leaves. Japanese holly is tolerant of a wide range of soils and conditions, making it a low-maintenance plant.

Also known as

• Ilex crenata
  
• Ilex aquifolium
  
• Ilex cornuta
  
• Ilex opaca
  
• Ilex glabra

Common Knowledge

• The Japanese holly (Ilex crenata) is a low-growing, evergreen shrub that is native to Japan.
  
• It has small, glossy, dark green leaves and produces small, white flowers in spring.
  
• The Japanese holly is often used as an accent plant or hedge in landscaping.
  
• It is relatively easy to care for and can tolerate a wide range of growing conditions.
  
• Japanese holly can be susceptible to a number of pests and diseases, so regular monitoring and treatment may be necessary.
  
• Japanese holly can be propagated from seed, cuttings, or divisions.
  
• It can be slow to establish and may take several years to reach its full potential size.
  
• Japanese holly is deer and rabbit resistant.
  
• The Japanese holly is the official state plant of Alabama.
  
• The name "holly" comes from the Old English word for "holy."

Related plant:
Japanese Azalea Orange

Planting Process

1. For japanese holly, first step is to find a sunny spot in your garden that has well-drained soil.
   
2. Prepare the planting area by removing any weeds or other debris.
   
3. Use a spade or shovel to dig a hole that is twice the width and depth of the japanese holly’s root ball.
   
4. Gently remove the plant from its container and loosen any roots that are tightly wrapped around the root ball.
   
5. Place the root ball in the hole so that the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil.
   
6. Backfill the hole with soil, tamping it down gently as you go.
   
7. Water the plant deeply immediately after planting.
   
8. Spread a 2-inch layer of mulch around the plant, keeping it away from the trunk.
   
9. Japanese holly will need to be pruned annually to maintain its shape.
   
10. These shrubs are also susceptible to a variety of pests and diseases, so be sure to monitor them closely and take appropriate action if any problems arise.

Related plant:
Japanese Barberry

The Soil

About soil condition, the japanese holly prefers slightly acidic to neutral soils, with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. It does not tolerate wet or poorly drained soils. If the soil is too alkaline, the foliage may yellow.

Light condition

So, like the other hollies, the Japanese holly (Ilex crenata) needs full sun to partial shade to look its best. The shrub does best in moist, well-drained soils but is quite tolerant of less than ideal conditions. It can even handle full sun in hot summer climates as long as it has adequate moisture.

Good Temperature

The temperature condition that is best for Japanese holly is a cool climate. They can withstand temperatures as low as -15 degrees Fahrenheit. However, they will not do well in hot and humid climates.

Humidity Requirement

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 50-60% Too much or too little humidity can cause the leaves of the plant to yellow and drop off. The plant does not tolerate drought well, and will need to be watered frequently. It is important to make sure that the plant does not sit in water, as this can cause the roots to rot.

Fertilizer Requirement

Mentioning fertilizer, this family of plant does not require a lot of it and in fact, too much fertilizer can actually be detrimental to the plant. Once every two months during the growing season is sufficient. The roots of the plant are relatively shallow and spread out, so be mindful not to plant it too deep.

About light

Pruning is a vital step in keeping your Japanese holly healthy and looking its best. Pruning also helps to encourage new growth, so your plant will stay full and lush. When pruning, be sure to cut back any dead or diseased branches first. Then, cut back any branches that are growing out of control or crossing over each other. Finally, trim back any long or leggy branches.

Plant Propagation

Propagation of Ilex crenata is best achieved through rooting of semi-hardwood or hardwood cuttings taken from the current season's growth. Cuttings should be 8-10 inches long and taken from the tips of the branches. Ilex crenata can also be propagated from seed, but it is a slow process and does not always produce true-to-type plants.

Growth Speed

Usually, the plant growth rate are relatively slow, however they can vary depending on the species. For example, the japanese holly 'illex crenata' has a growth rate of about 2.5 centimeters per year, whereas the japanese holly 'ilex crenata 'compacta' has a growth rate of about 10 centimeters per year.

Basic Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are: powdery mildew, leaf spots, and twig dieback. To control these problems, you need to prune out the affected areas and dispose of them. You also need to spray the plant with a fungicide.

Growing Tips

• If you want to grow a healthy and strong plant, make sure to plant it in an area that gets plenty of sunlight.
  
• It is important to keep the soil moist but not too wet. Be sure to water your plant regularly.
  
• Fertilize your plant every few weeks with a balanced fertilizer.
  
• Prune your plant regularly to encourage new growth.
  
• Protect your plant from extreme weather conditions.
  
• Be sure to keep an eye out for pests and diseases. If you notice any, take action immediately.
  
• Japanese holly plants are relatively low maintenance. However, they still need to be cared for properly.
  
• When it comes time to harvest your plant, do so carefully. These plants are delicate and can be easily damaged.
  
• Store your plant in a cool, dark place.
  
• Enjoy your beautiful plant!

You May Like

• Holly
  
• Hollis
  
• Hollister
  
• Hollywood
  
• Hollyhock
  
• Hollander
  
• Hollar
  
• Hollaender
  
• Hollybrook
  
• Hollyday

Source:
Japanese Holly – Ilex crenata - University of Alabama
Ilex crenata Japanese Holly - University of Florida
Black root rot of Japanese holly - University of Florida