Ilex Crenata

Having done much research on these beautiful trees, we now offer Ilex Crenata in various sizes to suit your requirements and budget, and we are one of only a couple of nurseries offering Ilex Crenata in Sussex, Surrey and Kent. We are also delighted to be able to offer Japanese Niwaki.

Ilex Crenata Care

The Japanese hollies (Ilex crenata) are a group of dense, multi-branched evergreen shrubs that are used extensively in landscapes. These plants generally are compact, although characteristics vary among hundreds of cultivars, and prefer full sun to partial shade. This species is dioecious, meaning that male and female flowers are borne on separate plants, but the flowers and fruit are both rather inconspicuous.

Japanese hollies have found their use in landscapes as foundation plantings, hedges, topiaries and mass plantings. Transplanting is rather easy when sited in a moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soil.

These hollies are generally hardy to zones 5 or 6, but this is variable with cultivars. Root diseases and shearing in late summer can reduce winter hardiness. The species should be pruned after new growth hardens, but can tolerate very severe pruning. Heavy pruning should be done in early spring, just before new growth emerges.

Recommended Monitoring for Ilex Crenata

Season Actions required
Winter Prune to remove dead, dying, and diseased limbs and to correct problem structural problems.
Late winter Apply horticultural oil to reduce populations of overwintering insects and mites. Collect soil sample for nutrient and pH analysis.
Late spring Inspect for winter injury, and remove dead branches. Treat for holly leafminer. Treat soil nutrient and pH problems. If plants are declining, collect soil samples for nematode analysis, and root samples for Phytophthora.
Early summer Monitor for soil moisture, scale insects, and whitefly. Treat as needed. Treat root rot if needed.
Mid summer Monitor for soil moisture, scale insects, whitefly, root rot and nutrient deficiencies. Treat as needed.
Late summer Monitor for soil moisture, scale insects, whitefly, root rot and nutrient deficiencies. Treat as needed.
Autumn Protect from winter winds with burlap wraps or other means in northern zones. Soil applied systemic insecticides may be used in the fall to reduce the next years infestation of leafminer, scale and whitefly.