Japanese holly

It's important to water your Japanese holly (Ilex crenata 'Golden Gem') regularly to ensure its health and vitality. The plant appreciates moist soil, so water it when the soil has become dry, aiming for once every 10-14 days. During hot, dry periods, you may need to water more frequently. To check if the soil is sufficiently moist, stick your finger about an inch into the soil. If it feels dry, then it's time to water. Allow the water to slowly soak into the soil, until you see water running from the bottom of the pot. Don't allow the plant to stand in the water.

Japanese holly (Ilex crenata 'Golden Gem') grows best when provided with at least 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. During the warmer months, this plant should be exposed to early morning sun as well as late afternoon sun. When the temperatures drop in the winter months, the plant can tolerate more direct sunlight exposure. However, to keep it looking its best, it should still receive some shade during the hottest parts of the day.

Japanese holly can be pruned 2-3 times a year. During late winter or early spring, give the shrub its first light pruning. This can be done by shaping the plant and removing any dead or diseased branches. The second pruning would be done in midsummer, and the last should be completed by late summer. During these summer pruning sessions, it is important to not take offre than 1/3 of the shrub’s foliage to promote healthy growth. Doing more can cause the plant to become stressed and susceptible to diseases.