Water
Japanese Holly prefers consistently moist soil but dislikes waterlogged conditions. Water deeply when the top 2-3 cm of soil feels dry. Reduce watering in winter.
Ensure good drainage, especially in containers, to prevent root rot.
Also known as Box-Leaf Holly · Box-Leaved Holly · Boxwood
Japanese Holly (Ilex crenata) is a versatile evergreen shrub with small, glossy leaves, often used for hedges and topiaries due to its dense growth and adaptability to pr
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Partial Shade to Full Sun
50% intensity
Tolerates full sun but performs best with some afternoon shade.
Moderate
50% intensity
Prefers consistent moisture, allow top layer to dry.
Well-drained, acidic to neutral
50% intensity
Moderate
50% intensity
Hardy in USDA zones 5-8. Tolerates a range of temperatures.
Low
25% intensity
Feed once in spring with balanced fertilizer.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
Non-toxic
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Japanese Holly prefers consistently moist soil but dislikes waterlogged conditions. Water deeply when the top 2-3 cm of soil feels dry. Reduce watering in winter.
Ensure good drainage, especially in containers, to prevent root rot.
Prune Japanese Holly to maintain its shape and size, typically in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Light shaping can also be done in mid-summer after the initial flush of growth.
Remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches.
Japanese Holly can be propagated from semi-hardwood cuttings taken in mid to late summer. Dip cuttings in rooting hormone and plant in a moist, well-draining medium.
Keep them in a humid environment with bright, indirect light until rooted.
Repot young plants every 2-3 years in spring, or when rootbound. Use a well-draining potting mix, ideally one formulated for acid-loving plants or a standard peat-based mix.
Water thoroughly after repotting and place in a sheltered location.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Japanese Holly (Ilex crenata)
Where Japanese Holly (Ilex crenata) is found
Density
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Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Aquifoliales |
| Family | Aquifoliaceae |
| Genus | Ilex |
| Species | Ilex crenata |
Similar in genus Ilex
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
