This form of Japanese holly, Ilex crenata ‘Convexa’, is fast growing and is a very good hedge either sheared or un-sheared. It is a handsome utility plant that is durable alternative to the slower growing boxwood.
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Is Ilex crenata fast growing?
This form of Japanese holly, Ilex crenata ‘Convexa’, is fast growing and is a very good hedge either sheared or un-sheared. It is a handsome utility plant that is durable alternative to the slower growing boxwood.

Does Japanese holly stay green all year?
Hetz’s Japanese holly is an evergreen shrub, but it is a broadleaved, rather than a needled, evergreen. Its glossy, delicate leaves can make it a great choice if you are in the market for a bush with dense foliage that stays green year-round.
Is Ilex crenata invasive?
Japanese Holly (Ilex crenata) is a tier 2 invasive species in the Lower Hudson Valley, which means its just starting to emerge as an invasive species in our region. While Japanese holly is not one that is typically used in holiday decorations, however it has been planted as an evergreen decorative shrub.
Is Ilex crenata slow-growing?

Commonly known as box-leaved holly, Ilex crenata is a slow-growing evergreen shrub often chosen as a more robust alternative to box (Buxus sempervirens), owing to its resistance to box blight, box tree caterpillar and low temperatures.
How do I look after Ilex crenata?
Japanese Holly (Ilex crenata)
- Plant Feed. Annually with organic matter.
- Watering. Water regularly until established.
- Soil. Fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil.
- Basic Care Summary. Plant in any sunny location in the garden. Best in fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil. Prune to maintain desired shape.
Will Ilex crenata grow in shade?
Ilex crenata is very easy to grow and likes all situations other than wet soils or very dense shade.
Do Japanese holly lose their leaves in winter?
The holly tree is an evergreen plant. This classification means the holly tree won’t lose its leaves with the onset of cold weather. If your holly tree does lose most of its foliage in the winter months, it might be experiencing winter damage or drying out.
How tall does Ilex crenata grow?
between 3 and 10 feet
Japanese holly plants (Ilex crenata) grow into dense, rounded bushes between 3 and 10 feet (1-3 m.) tall and wide, with lustrous leaves and a compact habit. Some grow slow and some relatively fast, so pick your cultivar carefully.
Do Japanese holly have deep roots?
If you have sandy or clay soil, you might want to work an equal part of compost in with the existing soil. Dig down about two feet and out three feet as you mix and cultivate the soil. Japanese hollies have fairly shallow, fibrous roots, as well as a main taproot that doesn’t grow too deep unless you have dry soil.
Is Ilex crenata Hardy?
The Ilex crenata, or more commonly known as Japanese holly, is often confused with boxwood. Though the foliage is similar, the evergreen Japanese holly is a member of the Ilex (holly) family. It is frost hardy, low maintenance and slow-growing.
How do you care for Ilex crenata?
How long does Ilex crenata grow?
crenata (Japanese Holly) ‘Mariesii’ – A very slow-growing variety with a dense columnar (horizontal branching) form. Grows to about 60 cm (24 inches) in 10 years. Leaves are roundish and dark green.
How do you care for Ilex Crenata?
Why are my Japanese holly dying?
Lack of water is the No. 1 reason for this – especially for a new transplant planted in summer. Sometimes transplant shock will cause a new holly to drop leaves dramatically soon after planting. But if it’s kept watered, dormant buds will pop out a new set of leaves within a few weeks.
Is Ilex Crenata Hardy?
Ilex Crenata (Japanese Holly) can tolerate a hardy pruning, but pruning promotes new growth which is susceptable to cold weathe and frosts.
How do I look after Ilex Crenata?
What kills Japanese holly?
Black root rot is the most serious disease that affects Japanese holly, according to Mary Ann Hansen, a plant pathologist at Virginia Tech University. The disease is caused by the fungus Thielaviopsis basicola and destroys the roots of the plant, causing the plant to eventually die.
When should you trim Ilex crenata?
Trim the hedges in early summer (June) to keep them dense and compact. If necessary, prune again in September. Ilex crenata (Japanse holly) grown as shrubs need little pruning unless some shaping is required. Remove damaged or misplaced branches in spring.